West Brom boss Sam Allardyce is looking to stamp his mark on the Midlands outfit next month, but one mooted target is far from what he needs to change their fortunes this season...

What's the word?

According to All Nigeria Soccer, Albion are set to reignite their interest in Nigerian winger Ahmed Musa, who is out of work following his exit from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr in October.

They claim that the 28-year-old was close to joining the Hawthorns in the summer, agreeing on a season-long loan but his parent club were reluctant to sanction his departure despite releasing him just months later.

Big Sam is thought to be a big admirer of Musa as he tried to sign him during his stint in charge of West Ham. West Brom could effectively land a player that commanded a £15m fee (€16.5m) just two years ago, for free.

Shades of Oli Burke

Whilst the opportunity to land an illustrious international sensation for a bargain may seem like a smart piece of business from the new Baggies boss, it could actually be the adverse as the £16m Musa has already flopped in the Premier League before.

He managed just five goals in 33 appearances for Leicester City before being shipped out on loan to CSKA Moscow and then sold to the Saudi side.

It's been reported that Musa was on around £60k-per-week at his last club, which would comfortably put him among Albion's highest-earners, something that is just not justifiable.

As a result, it bears similarities to Tony Pulis' disastrous £15m deal for Oliver Burke in 2017 - the club have only just been able to get rid after four goal contributions in four years.

Once dubbed "excellent" by former Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri, Musa is far from what is needed in this relegation dogfight. Big Sam would be better off signing tried and tested players.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Sam Allardyce tipped to sign £50k-p/w colossus this January...