West Bromwich Albion are interested in signing Brentford striker Neal Maupay this summer but face strong competition from Sheffield United and Aston Villa, according to the Express & Star.

The 22-year-old scored 28 goals for Brentford in all competitions last season and has established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers outside of the top flight.

Sheffield United and Aston Villa have both made the striker one of their top transfer targets for the summer, as they both look to strengthen their attacking options following promotion to the Premier League.

It has now been revealed that West Brom are also keen on signing the Frenchman this summer and are keeping close tabs on the situation, in case his move to the top flight falls through.

The Baggies would be able to significantly increase Maupay's wages, which are understood to be around £8,000-a-week, but cannot compete with the money the two Premier League clubs can offer.

West Brom announced Slaven Bilic as their new head coach last month and the Croatian has made signing a new striker his top priority this summer, after the club lost their two top goalscorers from last season.

Dwight Gayle scored 24 goals for the Baggies while on loan from Newcastle United last season, but has since returned to his parent club, while Jay Rodriguez scored 22 goals, but left to join Burnley earlier this week.

The Verdict

This could be a great signing for West Brom. Maupay is a fantastic player and he'd be the perfect replacement for Gayle and Rodriguez.

He's got all the attributes of a top centre-forward and I personally think he's good enough to succeed in the Premier League.

He's more than capable of making an impact for West Brom next season, but I don't see why he'd want to move there ahead of Sheffield United or Aston Villa.

West Brom are running out of time to sign a new striker and if they fail to sign a prolific goalscorer before the end of the transfer window then it's difficult to see them challenging for promotion next season.