West Brom have been dealt a blow in their hopes of landing one of their long-term targets, Daryl Dike...

What's the word?

The Athletic's West Bromwich Albion reporter, Steve Madeley, hosted a Q&A for West Brom fans and dealt a spanner in the works of a potential signing.

One Albion supporter asked Madeley; "Steve were we close to signing Dike in the summer and if so is he still on the radar?"

The reporter responded; "He was on the radar, Michael, but it was never close. It became clear fairly early that Orlando would want too much money for him. Unless they lower their sights, I think that might well be a problem again in January."

Fans gutted

Dike is currently with MLS club, Orlando City, and has been tearing it up with 11 goals in 19 appearances so for the Baggies faithful to hear that they are unlikely to sign him, will understandably leave them gutted.

West Brom have not won a game since the first weekend of November, only scoring one goal in their last five games, which has put them in a vulnerable position in the league table as those behind them have caught up and those above them have expanded their lead in the automatic promotion places.

It seems like a no brainer for Valerien Ismael to add quality to the attacking third of their squad to increase the chances of their overwhelming number of shots actually being scored, a factor that would help them climb back into a position to be promoted next season.

There have been so many offensive players connected with a move to the Hawthorns over the last month so Albion will, at least, have a chance to land a player elsewhere.

That said, it will be frustrating for the fans to read that a striker with the numbers that Dike is racking up, won't be making a move to West Brom. It's very clear the club is crying out for a refresh in attack and getting a player like the American to fill that position would have been the perfect fit.

In other news: Ismael ready to let go of Robert Snodgrass