Wingers the order of the day for Pulis’ West Brom revolution
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It is becoming more and more obvious with every passing rumour where Tony Pulis wishes to strengthen his newly inherited West Brom squad, as the former Crystal Palace boss chases Wigan’s Callum McManaman.
Having already been linked with bids for nippy Spurs duo Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend, Pulis clearly has fast wingers as his heart’s desire at the Hawthorns this January, with the Latics’ youngster the cheaper of the three options.
The Baggies have already bid £4m for McManaman, who has scored five times in 22 Championship games for Malky Mackay’s side, an offer that has reportedly been rejected by the suited and booted at the DW Stadium.
That isn’t likely to be the end of negotiations though, as West Brom aren’t too far away from the £6m valuation Wigan hold on their 23-year-old star.
It’s expected to be a frantic month in the market for the 10/3 relegation battlers, as Pulis tries to shape the squad into something he can earn results with.
Four players are expected to arrive at the Midlands club during the winter window, with Darren Fletcher, Rudy Gestede and Rickie Lambert among the names linked since Pulis has taken over.
In order to fund the reshuffle, fringe players like Georgios Samaras, Sebastian Blanco, Silvestre Varela and Jason Davidson could well be farmed out, while the future of Saido Berahino is likely to play a key part in how much money the cap-wearing tactician has to play with.
A move for McManaman makes sense for Pulis though, with the young Merseysider making a name for himself at the tail end of Wigan’s 2012/13 relegation season with some spirited performances.
He followed those up with just three goals from 30 games in the Championship the following term, but started the current campaign well, scoring four times in the first five matches, although he has since managed to add just one more to that tally.
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