West Brom's pursuit of a new striker has taken an interesting twist this week but a move could bring back haunting memories of a former flop...

What's the word?

According to The Sun's Alan Nixon, the Baggies are trying to hijack a move for Aston Villa flop Mbwana Samatta before next month's transfer deadline.

He claims that the 27-year-old striker is in talks with Turkish outfit Fenebahce but those at the Hawthorns are hoping their local rivals let him stay within the Premier League.

Albion are willing to take him on loan or even permanently if the price is right. He cost Villa a reported £8.5m back in January.

Shades of Ideye

Whilst it is no secret that Slaven Bilic is in desperate need of a new striker during this window having played winger Callum Robinson in attack at the weekend, the solution certainly shouldn't be Samatta.

The Tanzanian colossus was signed as a direct replacement for the injured Wesley Moraes and to say he failed to impress would be a major understatement.

In 14 appearances, Samatta scored just once, averaging three aerials won, 1.2 shots and 0.6 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

Luke Dowling simply can not afford to get this wrong once again. Kenneth Zohore and Charlie Austin have hardly inspired many at the Hawthorns and it's been a place notorious for poor-performing strikers.

Samatta could well be the second coming of Brown Ideye. signed for a then-record £10m from Dynamo Kyiv. Again, a player who was untested in the Premier League just like the 27-year-old prior to his January switch.

It's simply too big a risk, especially when we've seen what he can do in the top-flight - answer: not much.

Despite being lauded "highly gifted" by former coach Patrick Phiri as well as being described as "fantastic" by Villa boss Dean Smith, he's not a player the Baggies should want this season.

AND in other news, Dowling has blown over £10m on one expensive flop this season...