West Brom eye move for Jimmy Briand

West Bromwich Albion representatives have been in contact with Lyon regarding the signing of French forward Jimmy Briand. The 27-year-old forward is being lined up as a permanent replacement for Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku starred last year at WBA during a loan spell from Chelsea.

Briand has long been linked with a move to England, and two years ago was even mentioned with a transfer to Arsenal.


The full French international - who has played 5 times for his country - joined Lyon in 2010 and last year scored just 3 goals in 20 games, thus Lyon are on the lookout for a new striker and have also been linked with Gunners forward Gervinho.


Briand said of a potential move to West Brom: "In 15 games last season I scored only one goal. That is not the kind of return I was expecting. There is some disappointment in that.


"Lyon are a great club, though, and I want to continue here unless I am deemed surplus to requirements.


"I know West Brom have asked about me, but nothing has been done as yet. Let's wait and see what happens."