West Brom’s Sam Allardyce interested in signing Christian Benteke – but only if Crystal Palace frontman is available for transfer

West Bromwich Albion manager Sam Allardyce has said he would be interested in signing Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke if the 30-year-old became available for a deal.

Benteke has six months remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park and it is unlikely that he will be offered a new one.

Former Palace boss Allardyce took charge of West Brom a month ago and has made signing a striker a priority.

Benteke’s most prolific spell in South London came during Allardyce’s reign between December 2016 and May 2017. The former Aston Villa striker scored nine times in 23 appearances under the now-66-year-old.

Allardyce said this morning: “I am not sure if Christian is available. If they came to me and said he was available… I am not sure that is the case at the moment.

“If he is available I would be interested, everyone knows I am interested in a frontman.”

Benteke scored twice in Palace’s 5-1 win against the Baggies last month. In total, he has netted three times in 14 appearances this season.