West Brom need some backbone believes Sam Allardyce

The Baggies host Arsenal today in what is their fourth outing since te Dudley-born chief replaced Slaven Bilic last month.

Despite securing a draw at Liverpool, Allardyce has also overseen heavy defeats to Villa and Leeds.

And it is understood those performances have left him far from impressed with the squad he has inherited.

It is believed the 66-year-old is keen to make a number of additions this month.

But with finances tight everywhere due to Covid-19, signing a defender, a defensive midfielder and a targetman-type striker are understood to be his priorities.

Albion will then look to make further additions if they can move on some of the fringe members of their squad.

Reports in Turkey claim Everton forward Cenk Tosun is a player Allardyce is keen on.

The boss took him to Goodison Park in January 2018 in a deal that had the potential to be worth £27million. At the time, Allardyce said he was the best striker in Europe available at that price.

Tosun, though, has struggled to cement a regular starting spot at Everton and in the first half of last season had a loan spell with Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, the 29-year-old has continued to find the target regularly for Turkey.

Tosun netted four goals in four games for his country last season and has scored against Croatia and Russia this term.

Meanwhile, the Express & Star understands Albion are not interested in signing Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham this month despite reports to the contrary.

The 24-year-old is understood to be a player the Baggies have monitored for a number of years.

But while they like the former Manchester City youngster, it is understood they don’t see Ntcham as a priority signing this window.