There have been numerous reports surrounding Albion’s interest in Croatia international defender Domagaj Vida. Besiktas, who find themselves in financial troubles, are seemingly looking to offload some of their high earners. Here is what we know so far…

At 31 years of age, Vida looks to be entering the twilight stages of his career, but this could be the perfect chance for Albion to swoop in on a World Cup finalist.

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The versatile defender is able to play as a full-back, but in recent years has been deployed more often as a central defender.

He is vastly experienced both on a club level and on the international stage. However, playing in one of Europe’s top leagues is the only thing that has eluded him and now might be his last chance.

With Albion now playing Premier League football, and with Bilic’s Croatian connections, it would seem likely that an approach would be welcomed by both Vida and Besiktas.

According to this Turkish transfer source, Albion have made an approach of around €6 million for the defender.

Other clubs are also supposedly in the hunt for his signature, but the opportunity to play Premier League football under Bilic will hopefully prove decisive.

There also looks to be incomings at Besiktas that might plug the hole left by Vida: Rafael and Marcelo, both Brazilian defenders based at Lyon, have been strongly linked to moves to the Turkish side.

This might have been part of an exchange offer that could see Vida going to Lyon or just a replacement should he join the Baggies.

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We have also found other reports of interest in another Besiktas player — attacking midfielder Adem Ljajic.

If true, then we would expect talks to be in their infancy, but a double deal for both would ease the financial burden on the Turkish club dramatically.

If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in: Report: Slaven Bilic wants Serbia international from Besiktas.