West Brom to add Benfica striker to squad on loan

Benfica striker Ariza Makukula is today poised to join West Brom on loan until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old, who has played for nine clubs in 10 years, is due to sign for the Baggies pending the outcome of a medical.

The Portugal international, who is of Congolese descent, only joined Benfica a year ago in a £3m deal from Sevilla.

Benfica signed Makukula on the strength of a successful loan spell at Maritimo where he scored seven goals in 13 appearances.

But Makukula has failed to reproduce the same kind of form with Benfica, who are making him available on a permanent deal in the summer should he prove successful at The Hawthorns.