West Ham and West Brom are in the hunt for Anelka.
Out of contract ex-Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is set for a return to the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion leading the race, reports the Birmingham Mail.
The journeyman is unattached after completing his six-month spell with Serie A champions Juventus and as a proven goalscorer in England, the Baggies are keeping a close eye.
However, they face competition from West Ham United, Sunderland and Swansea City for the 34-year-old, as all four view the chance to sign the striker on a free transfer too good to pass up.
Anelka spent the year prior to his Italian adventure with Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua and did have the option to remain in Turin, but after only playing three matches both parties decided to end the deal.
Now after an 18-month absence from England the Frenchman could be returning to the country where he also starred with Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers.
West Brom manager Steve Clarke knows the forward well having spent time with Anelka at Stamford Bridge and wants the former Real Madrid player to switch to the Hawthorns to add some striking prowess.
Clarke has prioritised improving the Birmingham side’s attack this summer due to Romelu Lukaku returning to the Blues after his loan spell.
The Baggies were looking into bringing another former Chelsea striker to the club in Franco Di Santo, with the Argentinian’s contract having expired with Wigan Athletic.
However, with 124 Premier League goals to his name it would be hard for Clarke to not sign Anelka if given the choice.
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