West Bromwich Albion appear to have been dealt a setback in their bid to bring Vedat Muriqi to The Hawthorns in the January transfer window.

What's the talk?

That's according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, with the transfer insider relaying the quotes of Lazio director Igli Tare on Twitter, who seemed to suggest that the 27-year-old centre-forward will not be leaving the Serie A side in the current market.

In his tweet, Romano said: "Vedat Muriqi won't join CSKA Moscow, Lazio director Igli Tare says: "It was fake news. He's not joining CSKA Moscow."

Aside from CSKA Moscow, previous reports had also suggested that Valerien Ismael's Albion side were interested in a move for the Kosovo international this month, while both Leeds United and Hull City have also been credited with an interest in Muriqi.

However, with Tare stating quite intently that news of the club's striker potentially leaving Rome is 'fake', a move elsewhere could now also be off the cards, including to the Hawthorns.

Fans will be buzzing

While it is undeniable that Muriqi's return of goals during his seven and a half year spell in Turkey was impressive, considering how poor the striker has been since making a big-money move to Lazio back in the summer of 2020, the news that the Kosovan looks unlikely to be leaving Italy this month is sure to have left Baggies fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 246 appearances for the likes of Giresunspor, Genclerbirligi Ankara, Caykur Rizespor, Fenerbahce, KF Teuta and KS Besa Kavaje, the £12.5m-rated man scored 81 goals and registered 23 assists - not far off making a direct goal contribution every other game.

However, since his £17.93m move to Lazio, the £52k-per-week striker has failed to hit anywhere near these heights, having bagged just two goals and provided two assists over his 49 appearances in all competitions for I Biancocelesti.

As such, when taking into account Muriqi's extremely hefty weekly wage, in addition to the fact that the 27-year-old has proven he does not have what it takes to make it in one of Europe's big five leagues, the news that the Kosovan will not be leaving Italy for The Hawthorns this winter is undoubtedly fantastic news for everyone involved with the Baggies.

In other news: Sky Sports pundit drops worrying WBA January claim, it'd be a "huge blow" for Ismael