NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT takes a look at what could happen at West Brom in the January transfer window.
 |
| Pulis could sell Berahino (left) and bring in Darmstadt's Wagner (second left) |
Tony Pulis will be the first to admit this season has not gone as well as he had hoped it would way back in pre-season.
West Brom have struggled for consistency this term, having won just five of 17 games in the Premier League.
They exited the Capital One Cup early on and face a tricky Bristol City side in the FA Cup third round next month.
Premier League survival is of course Pulis' remit each season but there was hope he would kick the club on this season.
The Baggies finished 13th back in May and sit 13th now.
They're unlikely to go down and are too far away from the top seven to start dreaming about Europe.
What fans could do with is a good Cup run - and that could happen this season.
Since taking over at Stoke in 2006, Pulis has reached the FA Cup final once and the quarter-finals three times - not bad for a manager on a shoestring budget fighting to survive in the league.
But if Albion are to impress in the second half of the season they need an injection of life in the squad.
And here News News Blog Sport examines who West Brom need in January - and who they could do without.
What do they need?
Goals have been spread thin across the side this season, with Saido Berahino, James Morrison and Salomon Rondon scoring just three times each.
In fact, only eight players have scored for the Baggies during this league campaign.
The problem for Pulis is that while he may want a striker finding a good one on the cheap in January is tough.
Selling Selling Berahino for upwards of £25million could give the boss something funds to play with before deadline day.
Fans would likely welcome another creative presence in the midfield - and bar goalkeeper Ben Foster's long-term exclusion there is no injury worries for Pulis heading into the New Year.
How much can they spend?
It very much depends on if Berahino is sold. Should the England striker leave then Pulis will be able to invest the cash in a couple of players.
But realistically the boss is more likely to keep his squad together and try and see out the season.
 |
| Sandro Wagner (left) is reportedly wanted by West Brom |
Who might they sign?
Tottenham wide man Andros Townsend has been linked with a move to the Hawthorns - a switch that could greatly boost the England winger's chances of making Roy Hodgson's squad for Euro 2016.
Townsend, 24, could even be used as part of a deal to sell Berahino to Spurs, who are interested in the player.
QPR's Matt Phillips is another reported target, although he will only be pursued should the Townsend deal fall down.
And reports claim SV Darmstadt striker Sandro Wagner is also on Pulis' wishlist for January.
Wagner, 28, has scored five times for the Bundesliga mid-table side this season, having only arrived from Hertha Berlin in the summer.
 |
| Saido Berahino (centre) boasts just three league goals for the season |
Who could leave?
Will he go or won't he? Berahino's future at West Brom looks far from secure as we edge towards January.
The England striker, 22, has made just 12 appearances for the Baggies this season, scoring three goals.
He is wanted by Tottenham, whose manager Mauricio Pochettino is desperate to find a strike partner for Harry Kane, and a bid of around £25m could convince Pulis to sell up.
Berahino tried to force through a move during the summer but the deal collapsed.
Chelsea emerged as suitors of the striker last week and could hijack any approach by Spurs - although the north London club remain the favourites to secure his signature.
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus