West Brom receive setback as Benik Afobe not for sale
West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis has received a major setback in his pursuit for a new striker after Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe confirmed that Benik Afobe will remain with the Cherries, according to a report from the Birmingham Mail.
The Baggies are looking for a new striker to help to solve their goalscoring problems, with current forwards Salomon Rondon and Hal Robson-Kanu not in great form in front of goal.
24-year-old Afobe was shortlisted by Pulis, who was weighing up a move for the striker in January but Howe has brushed aside all talk of Afobe leaving the club and claims he is still in his plans for the rest of the season.
Howe said:
I don’t know how many appearances Benik has this season but he has been involved in most games. He is a huge part of our plans.
You always want your players to show the attitude that they want to achieve and I’ve got no problem with any player saying they want to play in any game.
Baggies boss Pulis will have to turn his attention to another target and will want to do so quickly so a deal can be wrapped up in the approaching January transfer window.