"Going to be difficult" - Pundit identifies West Brom transfer priority amid Thomas-Asante news | OneFootball

Pundit Carlton Palmer believes West Bromwich Albion will need to bring in a striker during the January transfer window.

The Baggies could be set for a huge blow after striker Brandon Thomas-Asante was included in Ghana's provisional 55-man squad list for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Thomas-Asante has never played for Ghana, but his impressive form this season has caught the attention of manager Chris Hughton, and he could be involved in the tournament, which takes place between 13th January and 11th February.

Albion defender Semi Ayaji is likely to be involved in the tournament with Nigeria, and winger Grady Diangana could be called up to the DR Congo squad.

Thomas-Asante is the Baggies' top scorer this season having netted seven goals in 21 appearances in all competitions, and he has been the club's only fit senior striker for much of the campaign.

Josh Maja has struggled with injury since his summer move from Bordeaux, and he is sidelined for four months after undergoing ankle surgery, while Daryl Dike has been out since April with an Achilles injury, although he is set to return in the New Year.

The Baggies currently sit fifth in the Championship table, and they are back in action when they make the trip to face Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.

Palmer: West Brom need a striker in January

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said that the Baggies will need to enter the market for a striker in January if Thomas-Asante is away on international duty.

"West Bromwich Albion sit fifth in the Championship, exceeding all expectations under Carlos Corberan this season," Palmer said.

"Brandon Thomas-Asante has been named in the provisional Ghana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

"The tournament goes from the 13th January for a month, so with long-term absences Daryl Dike and Josh Maja, Carlos will be keen to bring in forwards to keep their momentum going to secure a play-off position.

"However, with the financial position the club is in, we saw that in the summer with them having to let players go to balance the books, this is going to be difficult.

"It might well be through the loans, but he certainly needs to push to get in forward replacements or the good progress in the first half of the season will be for nothing."

What next for West Brom?

It is difficult to disagree with Palmer that Albion need to recruit a striker next month.

Thomas-Asante will be a big loss for the Baggies if he is called up to the Ghana squad, and his absence would leave Corberan incredibly light in the forward areas.

Dike's imminent return will be a huge boost for Albion, but he will need time to get back up to speed after such a long spell on the sidelines, and after suffering two serious injuries in his time at the club, there are question marks over whether he will be able to stay fit.

As Palmer says, it will be tough for the Baggies to do business in January given their well-documented financial problems, but bringing in a striker will be essential if they are to maintain their promotion push.