WEST Brom are weighing up a bid for Blackburn striker Andy Cole.

Sources in the Midlands claim that Rovers' top scorer is one of the targets Baggies boss Gary Megson is lining up as he looks to keep his side in the Premiership following their second promotion in three years.

Cole has the type of top flight pedigree that perfectly fits the bill for Albion, who are looking to add a wealth of experience to their squad this summer.

A source close to the club said: "Cole is a realistic target as Megson wants to bring in players with a lot of experience in the Premier League.

"Albion have more to spend this year and they've doubled their wage bill from last time they were in the Premiership so it would be surprising if they're not looking at him."

Since the season finished, West Brom have already signed Ricardo Scimeca from Leicester and are also about to land Liverpool defender Djimi Traore.

But a proven goalscorer is top of the manager's wanted list as his current strikeforce has little or no history of playing at the highest level.

Megson said: "We don't want players for whom playing in the Premiership is a new adventure, we're looking for players that have been there and done it."

Although Cole has said he is happy to stay at Ewood Park for the remaining year of his contract, other clubs are bound to be alerted to his public bust-ups with manager Graeme Souness.

But despite Albion's increased budget, any move to the Hawthorns would probably result in a wage drop for Cole, who scored an impressive 10 Premiership goals in a side struggling against relegation.

Rovers chief executive John Williams said he expects clubs to try to lure the 32-year-old Cole away but is confident he will see out his contract.

"We are going to have a lot of Andy Cole stories in the summer but he's under contract for another year and we've every reason to believe he will be with us for next season," said Williams.

Meanwhile, Rovers face competition for the signature of Paul Dickov from Middlesbrough, who are reported to be lining up a late move for the Scotland striker.

Dickov is on holiday and thinking over the formal offer Rovers made for him last week.