West Bromwich Albion are closing in on the signing of Southampton striker Charlie Austin as he has reportedly arrived for a medical after agreeing terms on a loan deal.

West Brom are understood to face some competition for Austin, with Bristol City also interested.

However, the Baggies now appear to have won the race for the 30-year-old.

According to Football Insider, West Brom have agreed terms over a loan deal with the Premier League club as they push for the move before the transfer window closes at 5 pm.

The report claims that Austin has arrived at the club to undergo a medical.

The experienced forward has more than 130 goals in English football and will add some much-needed firepower to Slaven Bilic’s squad after losing both their two top-scorers from last season, Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle.

Austin made 25 appearances for the Saints last season but is understood to have not taken part in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s pre-season preparations.

The Baggies have already made five signings this summer and it seems they’re determined to make the Englishman they’re sixth before the window closes.

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The Verdict

Bilic desperately needed to add more attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes and it appears he is set to do exactly that by adding Austin.

The 30-year-old has not been in great scoring form over the past two seasons, scoring just nine goals across that period, but he has an excellent record and should thrive back in the Championship.

The Baggies have already added striker Kenneth Zohore this summer but in the absence of both Gayle and Rodriguez, it is a real boost that they now seem set to add Austin.