Transfer Wishlist: Blackburn striker high on West Brom agenda
Published:
Which areas do they need to strengthen?
Only three teams have scored less Premier League goals than the Baggies have managed, so whatever transpires with Saido Berahino’s future this month, a striker is required.
Naturally, if Berahino – who has so far notched virtually half of West Brom’s 20 league goals – does get lured by the bright lights in January this need increases ten-fold.
Good job then that new Baggies boss Tony Pulis is already actively seeking goal-scorers, with Blackburn’s Beninese striker Rudy Gestede the main target, after netting 12 Championship goals in 23 appearances this season.
Who have they been linked with?
Darren Fletcher, Rudy Gestede, Rickie Lambert, Peter Crouch, Virgil van Dijk, Troy Deeney
January Wishlist Best Buys
Rudy Gestede: (Blackburn)
Chances of Signing: Rovers will not wish to sell their top scorer of the season with the play-offs a possibility. However, if the player wishes to leave and the fee is decent, having Jordan Rhodes as backup at Ewood Park does offer more hope.
Peter Crouch: (Stoke )
Chances of Signing: Not great. Pulis is clearly a massive admirer of the striker he brought to the Britannia Stadium when Stoke boss. His admiration doesn’t look enough on its own though, with Crouch eager to extend his stay in the Potteries.
Darren Fletcher: (Manchester United)
Chances of Signing: United’s longest-serving player doesn’t appear to have a place in Louis van Gaal’s plans, with Michael Carrick and Daley Blind ahead of the Scot for the holding midfield role. This makes a successful move for the 30-year-old plausible.
We Recommend…
Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham)
The wage demands of Spurs’ unwanted striker could be off-putting, though West Brom could yet receive an injection of cash from Berahino’s sale. Even if they don’t sell, the finances at the Hawthorns are supposedly in rude health, meaning a loan deal could be preferable for the proven Premier League goal scorer.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £25 in free bets
