West Bromwich Albion have launched an audacious move to secure an illustrious new striker this transfer window and if they pull it off, it could be quite the coup...

What's the word?

According to the Sunday People (print edition, 13th September), via WestBromNews, a swoop for free-agent Mario Mandzukic is in the balance due to the 34-year-old's high wages.

The veteran Croatian has been out of work since leaving Qatar champions Al-Duhail back in July after two goals in ten appearances.

He's since attracted the interest of a plethora of teams, including Fenerbahce, Besiktas, Hellas Verona and Inter Milan, as per reports in his home country.

It's thought that Mandukic was on £58k-per-week in Turin.

Shrewd or silly?

One thing the Baggies are lacking in abundance is experience at the very top, which is something the 6 foot 3 forward could certainly bring to the Hawthorns.

He's appeared in a World Cup final, clinched the Champions League and won six domestic league titles in both the Serie A and Bundesliga during lucrative spells at Juventus and Bayern Munich.

Mandzukic is going to have to take a pay cut to join Albion and if he does, then it could turn out to be a very smart call from fellow countryman Slaven Bilic.

Despite being soon on the wrong side of 30, the free agent has always been praised for his fitness throughout his career, so he's certainly got more to give.

Pep Guardiola once said: "In the box, there is no one better in the air in the world. When we get the ball there he is very, very strong,” whilst he's also been described as a striker with "seemingly endless stamina."

The Baggies opted to play winger Callum Robinson upfront against Leicester City on Sunday and he was pretty much anonymous and whilst he's a good player, he's no Mandzukic, who's been a proven goalscorer throughout his career.

48 goals from 88 appearances for Bayern and 44 goals in 162 matches for Juventus, via Transfermarkt, is pretty good going.

Provided the wages are right, this could be a very shrewd move for West Brom.

AND in other news, Albion must improve on "stupid" and inconsistent REGULAR to survive the PL...