WBA move for Sunderland target collapses at the 11th hour

The 26-year-old had been expected to complete a switch to The Hawthorns today, but the transfer has collapsed as he will not be fit for the start of the season.

Albion were prepared to pay around £15million for Sakho but, while he has not failed a medical, the Baggies were reluctant to spend the significant sum without any guarantees he would be ready when they needed him.

Sakho wanted the move to the Midlands and the fee and wages were not an issue.

The deal could be resurrected in January with Albion still keen on the frontman but they are moving on to new targets with just over a week before the start of the Premier League season.

Sakho was a prime target for ex-Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce, but there have been question marks over whether successor David Moyes has been as keen on the Senegal international.