Nicolas Anelka's representatives will meet West Bromwich Albion this week to explore the possibility of a move to The Hawthorns. Anelka, who is a free agent after leaving Juventus at the end of last season, previously worked with Steve Clarke, Albion's head coach, at Chelsea.

With Romelu Lukaku returning to Stamford Bridge after a successful season-long loan at Albion and Peter Odemwingie set to move on, Albion are keen to strengthen their attacking options, although it remains to be seen whether they will be willing to meet Anelka's salary demands.

The Frenchman, who has played for Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bolton and Chelsea in the Premier League, was 34 in March and any deal that Albion put together is likely to be for no more than one season.

Salomon Kalou, another former Chelsea forward, is also being monitored by Albion. They will, however, face stiff competition from West Ham United, who have reignited their interest in signing the 27-year-old from Lille. It is understood that Kalou, who left Chelsea on a free transfer 12 months ago, has a release clause in his contract which is believed to be as low as £3m, although his salary – he is earning €80,000 a week in France (more than £3m a year) – means any overall deal would not be cheap, even if the Ivory Coast international accepts a wage reduction.

Kalou scored 14 goals in 28 league appearances last season but he has admitted that he would welcome the chance to return to the Premier League, where he spent six seasons with Chelsea.