West Bromwich Albion are interested in signing Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie in the current transfer window, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Striker needed at West Brom

A long-term injury to Daryl Dike has highlighted the need for the Baggies to sign a striker before the 1 September transfer deadline, with too much reliance on Karlan Grant to provide goals amid the continued sidelining of Kenneth Zohore, the only other centre-forward at The Hawthorns.

If Steve Bruce is unable to address the issue, there is every chance that it could hamper their Championship promotion push, despite Saturday's 5-2 win at home to Hull City.

It now looks as though West Brom's search for a new striker may be addressed, though, following a fresh update.

The Latest: West Brom eye up McBurnie

Taking to Patreon [via West Brom News], Nixon claimed that the Baggies are eyeing a 'surprise' move for McBurnie, with Bruce 'reeling' after missing out on Manchester City striker Liam Delap.

The 26-year-old is into the final year of his current Sheffield United deal, meaning that he could exit for free next summer.

The Verdict: Proven Championship quality

McBurnie is someone who could be a shrewd prospective signing by the Baggies, having proven himself in the Championship over the years, scoring 31 goals in 90 appearances in the division and being hailed as 'brilliant' by Blades teammate Oliver Norwood earlier this year.

A strong target man and a good finisher, scoring with 35% of his shots on target throughout his career, the 17-cap Scotland international has the potential to solve Bruce's issues in the final third, providing stern competition for Grant.

Whether or not Sheffield United are willing to sell McBurnie this summer remains to be seen, but the fact that he has only started one league game so far this season would suggest that he isn't seen as indispensable.