West Brom are still hopeful of luring forward Salomon Kalou to the Hawthorns, ahead of the visit of Southampton.

The former Chelsea star, now with Lille, has been linked with the Baggies, who host Saints on the opening day of the Premier League season, and West Ham throughout the summer, with both clubs triggering a £2.6m release clause in his contract.

Kalou, however, has made it clear he would prefer to remain at Lille, believing he can progress further with the Ligue 1 club.

Despite that, Albion have not yet thrown in the towel on signing the 28-year-old Ivory Coast international.

"We've stated an interest, we've had some negotiations and we're hopeful he'll come to West Brom," said joint assistant manager Keith Downing.

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Downing added: "We are still working to get players of his ilk to come to the club.

"Discussions are going on. We know we have a good set of players, a good core and we have stated we are short in terms of numbers.

"We're aware of that but we know we need help. There is an importance now to get the two or three, maybe four, players in."