Wanderers have made a dramatic deadline day swoop to sign former England winger John Salako from Premiership rivals Coventry City.

Colin Todd wrapped up the deal this morning for the 29-year-old wide man he hopes will provide the ammunition for his survival strike force.

And this afternoon he was also expected to re-sign West Brom striker Bob Taylor on loan until the end of the season.

The double swoop was a surprise development after the arrival this week of Swiss-born striker Gaetano Giallanza appeared to be the only addition to the Wanderers' squad ahead of today's 5 o'clock transfer deadline.

But Todd managed to strike an agreement with Coventry, who have terminated Salako's contract - which expires this summer anyway - allowing him to join Wanderers on a free transfer. Personal terms were agreed when the player met his new boss at the Reebok Stadium early this morning.

"We will have him for the rest of the season," the Reebok boss confirmed, "then take it from there.

"The arrangement can work both ways. It can help him and, if he does well, it could be something we can make permanent in the summer. We'll wait and see."

Salako's arrival brings to an end Todd's season-long search for a wide player, both home and abroad, which has been a constant source of frustration.

"John has a good pedigree," the manager said.

"We haven't had a winger all season and to get him in at this stage could be a big help.

"Coventry knew of my interest in him some time ago but we couldn't come to an arrangement at the time."

Salako, who won the last of his five England caps against Germany in 1992, made his name in the top flight with Crystal Palace before a £1 million-plus deal took him to Coventry in the summer of 1995. He has made 16 appearances for the Sky Blues this season but hasn't figured since January and has been resigned to leaving Highfield Road for some time and recently had a week on trial with Dutch club Feyenoord.

Todd wants Taylor back to add cover and competition for his strikeforce in the nine-match run-in.

The 31-year-old Albion striker ended a four-match loan stint with Wanderers with the goal in the 1-1 draw at Manchester United on February 7.

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