Albion target Nico Gonzalez is now expected to join Fiorentina.

Sources in Argentina said tonight a move to the Serie A side was close to completion.

The transfer fee is believed to be some way in excess of £20 million.

Albion were reported to have reached agreement with Stuttgart earlier this week for the versatile 23-year-old attacking player.

But it was no secret that the lure of Serie A and a club made famous in Argentina by iconic striker Gabriel Batistuta appealed strongly to Gonzalez.

He is also a friend and international colleague of two members of the current Viola squad.

There was no final confirmation that Albion’s hopes were completely over.

A report on TNT Sports Argentina said: “His sale to Fiorentina in Italy is virtually sealed apart from a few details.”

An Argus source at TyC Sports in Buenos Aires said the move was 90% complete.

Events of the last few days have at least revealed a strong desire by Albion to sign a new attacking threat.

They are known to be keen on Gonzalez’s less experienced compatriot Alan Velasco at Independiente.