West Bromwich Albion are planning to break their transfer record to land Reading striker Shane Long.
PA Sport says the Baggies have held talks with Long's advisors over the weekend and are close to agreeing a fee of between £6million and £7m.
It would surpass the £4.7m Albion paid Real Mallorca for Spanish midfielder Borja Valero three years ago.
West Brom's desire for a new striker is even more pressing as last season's leading scorer, Peter Odemwingie, is battling to overcome an ankle problem.