According to the Telegraph, West Bromwich Albion are seeking a new £4.5 million loan deal for former Derby County target Grady Diangana following his roaring success.
Diangana joined West Brom from West Ham United on loan last summer.
Derby were reportedly set to sign him on loan (Express and Star). However, West Brom boss Slaven Bilic used his connections to persuade the winger to move to the Hawthorns.
Bilic, a former West Ham player and manager, was said to have personally called his former club to thrash out a loan deal for the player under Derby’s noses.
Diangana subsequently joined West Brom, with a potential January recall clause.
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The Baggies are now lining up a £1.5 million fee to ensure he remains for the rest of the season, plus a further £3 million to get him on loan against next season.
Diangana has been instrumental in West Brom’s push for promotion this season. He has posted five goals and five assists as Bilic’s side top the Championship table.
Derby, meanwhile, have lacked a player of his quality out wide all season.
The Rams are among the lowest scorers in the league with 28 goals in 27 games. This, despite boasting Jack Marriott, Martyn Waghorn and Chris Martin for striker options.
Derby’s biggest problem has been a lack of creativity and service for the forwards.
Tom Lawrence, Duane Holmes, Mason Bennett and Florian Jozefzoon have predominantly been Derby’s wide options. Diangana has more assists than the four combined.
Also see: Derby reportedly agree to 28-year-old’s departure; rival clubs keen
Also see: Reported Derby and Blackburn target in talks to sign deal with Championship rivals