Bifouma joins West Brom on loan

Espanyol's French striker Thievy Bifouma has joined West Bromwich Albion on loan until the end of the season. Thievy, 21, has made just 11 appearances in La Liga this campaign – including nine off the bench – and netted three goals. The English Premier League club have agreed a €500,000 loan fee, with another €100,000 in potential add-ons. Reports suggest a €4million deal could make the deal permanent in the off-season. A France Under-21 international, who can play either through the middle or out wide, Thievy has struggled to hold a regular place at Espanyol. West Brom coach Pepe Mel hailed Thievy's flexibility and goal-scoring ability. "Thievy is a good striker. He is quick, can score goals and is able to play across the front three positions," he said. West Brom sporting and technical director Richard Garlick said Thievy provided the team with something different up front. "We're delighted to welcome Thievy to the club," he said. "We set out to strengthen our forward options and Thievy is a little different to the other strikers we have. "He is a player we have been monitoring for some time and has arrived with a real hunger to prove himself in the Barclays Premier League."