West Brom boss Sam Allardyce encouraged by Mbaye Diagne showing

The striker joined the Baggies on loan from Galatasaray last month having already netted 11 times for the Turkish giants this season.

Diagne was unlucky to score against Sheffield United with the Senegal international denied by an outstanding save from Aaron Ramsdale before Matt Phillips prodded home.

He then saw two goals against Tottenham disallowed after he had strayed marginally offside. And Allardyce has been encouraged by what he has seen – even though Diagne is yet to get off the mark.

“If we put quality balls into the opposition box then the big man Mbaye seems to be able to get on the end of them,” the boss said.

“He has those two ruled out at Tottenham because he just went a little too early with his run.

“He just needs to read those situations a little better. But it was encouraging.

“Mbaye is looking like if we get balls into the right areas with the right quality, he’ll get chances to score – he showed that.

“It is a positive. But until we stop the goals going in at the other end then life is going to be increasingly difficult for us.”

Meanwhile, reports have emerged suggesting Kieran Gibbs attracted late interest in the January transfer window.

MLS side Inter Miami – who are owned by David Beckham – are said to have shown an interest in the former England full-back.

Gibbs was understood to be available for transfer due to being one the club’s highest earners.

But it has been reported the financial package offered didn’t suit him or Albion.

Out of contract in the summer, it is highly this season will be Gibbs’ last at The Hawthorns.

The defender has often had to play second-fiddle to Conor Townsend this year.

Miami are now understood to interested in signing Gibbs on a free transfer in the summer.

He is also believed to have interest from other clubs in the US and in England.