Newly promoted West Bromwich Albion are believed to be in the market for out of contract Birmingham City striker Mikael Forssell. The former Chelsea man has shown flashes of his abilities again this year, but his goals were unable to keep the Blues in the top flight.

Now WBA are reportedly preparing a £30,000 a week contract to the Finnish forward.

Birmingham had been ready to offer Forssell a deal, but as one of the highest earners at the club, a significant drop in expectations would be required for the player to even consider staying at the club.

Birmingham chairman David Sullivan recently said: "We have got players whose contracts are up that we cannot afford to renew with the wages they are on and they may decide to leave."

There are other clubs also pursuing Forssell, with Bayer Leverkusen and Hannover in the Bundesliga both interested in the frontman.