West Brom boss Tony Mowbray is ready to bid for Bobo Balde after Celtic made it clear he longer figures in Gordon Strachan's first-team plans.Mowbray's Baggies scored goals for fun last season on their way to winning the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League.

But they also conceded at an alarming rate, and the Albion gaffer has reportedly pinpointed Guinea gargantuan Balde as the experienced centre-back he wants to shore up his backline.

The 33-year-old has made over 230 appearances for the Bhoys since moving to Parkhead from Toulouse on a free transfer back in 2001.

But he fell well down the pecking order last season, landing just four SPL starts under Strachan.

Celtic had an offer of Balde plus £5.5million for James McFadden rejected by Birmingham on Saturday, proving that Strachan is now ready to let the veteran defender leave the Scottish champions.

And Mowbray could make a move for him next week as he needs to bolster his central defensive options, with the likes of Leon Barnett unproven in the top flight and question marks surrounding Martin Albrechtsen's future.

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