Man City, Arsenal and Spurs lead chase for West Brom flop
Published:For Premier League fans, and West Brom supporters in particular, it will come as somewhat of a surprise to learn that Borja Valero has become one of Serie A’s most coveted assets.
The Spanish midfielder, capped once by his country, endured a horrific spell at the Hawthorns, failing to make any sort of positive impression during the Baggies’ relegation from England’s top flight in the 2008/2009 season.
But back-to-back loan spells at Mallorca and Villarreal respectively rejuvenated the playmaker’s career, and in turn saw out the remainder of his West Brom contract.
And since then, a move to Fiorentina has seen him flourish further, thus drawing the attention of some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham are all in the mix to secure the 28-year-old’s signature, with Spurs currently thought to have the most serious designs on the player.
However, given his integrity to Viola, for whom he has missed just one of 33 league outings this term, the former Real Madrid trainee would not be available on the cheap.
That said, Valero would prove a much less costly addition than Joao Moutinho, who Andre Villas-Boas could miss out on again in light of Porto’s excessive transfer fee demands.
Spurs have been quoted £30m for the Portuguese international, but Valero, with 10 league assists to his name this season, could be available for less than half that price.
The need for a new central midfielder at White Hart Lane is likely to be more pressing this summer meanwhile, with the close-season departure of Tom Huddlestone heavily rumoured, and Gylfi Sigurdsson often utilised in an advanced position.
Amidst fears that he could be lost in the shuffle at City, and the fact he is unlikely to dislodge Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere or Santi Cazorla from Emirates starting berths, Tottenham would appear to be Valero’s likeliest destination, should the Spaniard leave Florence this summer.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
