West Brom sizing up new talent at both ends of the pitch
Published:
In the wake of a chastening Premier League defeat for West Brom, the news that manager Tony Pulis has identified two transfer targets with potential to improve the squad this summer, will no doubt be music to the ears of Baggies fans.
A 4-1 mauling at the hands of relegation-threatened QPR at the Hawthorns was enough to put Pulis off his Easter eggs and highlighted some underlying deficiencies at the west Midlands outfit.
An eight-point buffer down to the R’s in 18th should still be roomy enough to allay fears of the drop, reflected by odds of 1/50 to stay up, though Pulis cut a pretty angry figure in the post-match interview when suggesting survival was far from guaranteed.
One of the Welshman’s main criticisms was aimed at the profligate finishing of his frontmen, on this occasion Brown Ideye and Saido Berahino, whilst he also bemoaned the lack of availability through injury this season of Victor Anichebe, who impressed in a second-half cameo.
A remedy could well be sought in the form of Wolves top scorer Bakary Sako this summer say the Birmingham Mail, with the Mali international contributing 14 goals to the promotion hopeful’s cause this season and he will be available on a free.
The short trip across the Black Country may well appeal to Sako and should Berahino’s thirst for a move be quenched, the vacancy will be glaring.
A loss of such magnitude couldn’t have passed without the defence taking equal, if not more, share of the blame though.
Three goals left the Baggies dead and buried before the break so there is obvious room for improvement, especially at full-back where Swansea’s Neil Taylor has reportedly been earmarked by the former Stoke gaffer.
Pulis has played a number of players on the left of his defence, including Joleon Lescott, but the Baggies are crying out for a specialist in that position and Taylor fits the bill perfectly.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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