West Bromwich Albion's pursuit of a new attacking addition is going down to the wire as they have entered the race for a coveted EFL star...

What's the word?

According to the Express & Star, the Baggies have entered the race to clinch AFC Bournemouth forward Josh King with Slaven Bilic desperate to add another striker before the October 16th deadline.

It's claimed that Albion have held talks with the Cherries over a potential deal. It's thought that they would want £10m to sanction his sale and that they would be willing to receive the funds in instalments in order to get his £45k-per-week wages off the books.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph's Mike McGrath has linked Bilic's former club West Ham with a move and believes the Londoners could be in a much stronger position to secure him.

Striking upgrade

At this point, it's ever so clear that West Brom are chasing a new frontman but with developments surrounding reported top target Karlan Grant continuing to rumble on, it could be wise to opt for the cheaper option in King.

He'd certainly be an instant and major upgrade to the Baggies' forward ranks.

The 28-year-old has directly contributed to nine or more goals in each of his last five Premier League seasons, even during the Cherries' relegation last term, he bagged six and provided four assists, via Transfermarkt.

That's far better than Charlie Austin, who has only delivered seven or more goals at this level once since 2015. Sky Sports believe he's close to a move to Derby County.

His ability to play anywhere across the front three should be a mouthwatering prospect for not just Bilic but also Albion's metronome, the playmaking Matheus Pereira.

It's about time the Hawthorns had a forward that can either convert the chances the enigmatic Brazilian creates or help tee him up, after all, he provided eight goals and 20 assists last season.

King has been lauded as a player with "unique" abilities by Eddie Howe, he said: "He is a pivotal figure to how we play and what we want to do. He has the pace, strength and technical qualities, which are quite unique."

There is so much to like about the Norwegian international - Premier League experience, a prolific and proven goalscorer and available for just £10m.

Bilic cannot afford to lose the race to clinch King in these next few days.

AND in other news, West Brom may have made a mistake in not letting Bilic outcast leave...