Stoke City are pursuing a move for Nigerian striker Josh Maja, who became a free agent following the expiry of his contract with West Bromwich Albion, according to Complete Sports Nigeria.

Maja, 27, could not reach an agreement on new terms with the Baggies and has since departed The Hawthorns. Stoke manager Mark Robins is understood to have long admired the forward and is eager to bring him to the bet365 Stadium for the upcoming Championship season.

The Nigerian is no stranger to Stoke, having joined the club on loan during the second half of the 2021/22 season while on the books of French outfit Girondins Bordeaux. His spell proved difficult, however — he managed just one goal from 15 Championship appearances.

Maja made the switch to West Bromwich Albion from Bordeaux in the summer of 2023 and went on to contribute 19 goals in 81 appearances across all competitions before his contract came to an end.

Championship rivals also in the hunt

Stoke face competition from within the Championship, with Watford and Bristol City also reported to be monitoring Maja's availability. The striker is currently valued at €4.5 million according to Transfermarkt, and holds one senior cap for the Super Eagles.