‘It could happen’ – Exclusive: Phillips says West Brom may land 16-goal ace to replace loan duo
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips believes that West Brom’s reported interest in Lorient winger Yoane Wissa could be the Baggies eyeing up potential replacements for Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson once their loan deals expire.
According to Express & Star journalist Joseph Masi, Albion have been told by West Ham and Sheffield United that they can keep hold of Diangana, 22, and Robinson, 25, until the currently-suspended season is completed.
However the Baggies do not have the option to sign either of the wingers on permanent deals once their loans do eventually expire and that has potentially led to interest in Lorient ace Wissa.
French news outlet Telefoot claims that West Brom are one of a number of clubs who are interested in the 23-year-old Frenchman, who has scored 16 goals from the left-wing this season for Ligue 2 champions Lorient.
Phillips believes that there is a chance Wissa has emerged on Albion’s radar due to the lack of certainty about Diangana and Robinson’s future once their loans do eventually expire.
When asked if Wissa’s link could be due to that, Phillips told West Brom News: “Possibly.
“It depends what state West Brom are going to be in when this is all over and whether they need to move people on. It’s only natural for people to move on to make way for other people coming in who might be on slightly bigger wages.
“I do expect some comings and goings and with those two (Diangana and Robinson), it could happen. It’ll be interesting to see what happens there.
When asked which of the two he’d rather see West Brom sign permanently, Phillips added: “I’d probably say Robinson if I’m being totally honest.”
West Ham are unlikely to want to lose Diangana once his loan spell expires as he is a good young attacker who has torn up the Championship at times this season for Slaven Bilic.
It means that he could be difficult to sign and out of the two, Robinson may be easier to lure away from Sheffield United.
We would rather see Diangana sign permanently but Robinson has shown he can be as good as the Hammers loanee in what we saw of him before the season was suspended.
In other West Brom news, West Ham and Sheffield United have made their minds up about Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson’s loan deals at The Hawthorns.
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