West Bromwich Albion could be set for a busy summer transfer window as Steve Bruce aims to take the Baggies back into the Premier League after their uninspiring campaign in the Championship.
The 61-year-old spoke previously about the number of changes to the squad that he wants to see happen in the coming months to give his team the best possible chance of reaching their objective.
However, it seems as though a big update has emerged behind the scenes regarding some players who have been mentioned with potential moves to The Hawthorns in recent weeks.
What’s the news?
According to a recent report from Joe Masi in the Express & Star, after being linked with moves for Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane and Newcastle United duo Karl Darlow and Elliot Anderson, these three players are reportedly not targets for the Baggies this summer.
Good news for Albion fans
With Hourihane, while he would be available on a free transfer as a result of his Villa contract expiring, his 2021/22 season on loan with Sheffield United suggests that, even for free, he may not be the right player to come in and elevate West Brom to where they need to be.
He recorded a lowly WhoScored rating of 6.57, which put him 21st among Paul Heckingbottom’s squad, far from a glowing testament to the Irishman’s performances.
As for Darlow, having conceded 15 goals in eight Premier League appearances this season, the 31-year-old may not be the right figure for the Baggies either, especially with Sam Johnstone likely to leave in the coming weeks and a suitable replacement needed for him.
Are you confident WBA will have a successful summer transfer window?
Finally, with Anderson only having regular senior football at League Two level under his belt, adding the 19-year-old to Bruce’s ranks could be a risk for Albion given his inexperience.
Taking all this into account, seeing these three players scratched off the list for potential summer transfer targets should be great news for West Brom fans.
With this Premier League trio out of the frame, it will presumably now give the Baggies the chance to move on and potentially look at other players who they feel will be the right options to come in and improve their squad.
In our view, with the Midlands club scoring fewer goals than the likes of Reading, Bristol City and Blackpool among others, adding a player who can find the net on a regular basis should be the first port of call for West Brom and their recruitment staff.
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