West Bromwich Albion are reportedly set to step up their interest in Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina.
Reports in France (via The Birmingham Mail) suggest that The Baggies have moved ahead of Premier League rivals Stoke City in the race to sign the Frenchman.
Foot Mercato claim that West Brom are locked in talks with representatives of the 22 year-old and are now front runners, after The Potters had a bid of £17m rejected by the Serie A champions.
Baggies not put-off by price tag
Despite Bianconeri's valuation of the player, Tony Pulis is reportedly unperturbed by a potential move for the midfielder.
After joining the Lorient youth set-up at the age of 11, Gabonese-born Lemina, was then promoted into the senior side in 2012. After making the trip south to Marseille a year later, Lemina made the switch to Juventus, following a successful loan spell away from L'OM, playing 10 times for the Italians.
Initially representing France for the U-20 and U-21 sides - winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup - Mario Lemina has now formally switched to the Gabon Football Federation, after having refused his call-up at first. He currently has five caps to his name.
Lemina could provide spark Pulis craves
On official Juventus signing since only April 29, Lemina played the entire 120 minutes as his side beat old rivals A.C. Milan 1-0 AET, in the Coppa Italia Final.
As a box-to-box midfielder, but also wholly versatile, the Frenchman fits the mold of a Pulis type-player, capable of occupying wing and full-back positions across the field.
As a dynamic ball winner, Lemina could provide a spark bereft in West Brom's build up play last term. In intercepting the ball deep in the defensive third, The Baggies could then create a platform for the wide men and forwards to utilise.