Exclusive: Phillips delivers verdict on ‘Fantastic’ WBA-linked striker he’s watched ‘Many times’
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 does not believe that Steven Fletcher would be the best option to strengthen West Brom’s striker options ahead of next season.
Fletcher, 33, has scored 13 goals in 26 Championship appearances for Sheffield Wednesday this season but is due to become a free agent in the summer when his contract expires.
TeamTalk has reported that West Brom are interested in signing the former Wolves striker on a free transfer.
However, with the Baggies closing in on a return to the Premier League, Phillips does not see how Fletcher would be able to make the step up that Slaven Bilic’s men are likely to make.
“It is a tough one, he’s 33,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“Steven is a fantastic pro and I have watched him at Sunderland many times and he scored many goals.
“It is always a difficult one jumping from the Championship to the Premier League and ultimately he would be in a side that would not create the opportunities that he gets now at Sheffield Wednesday.
“It would be a tall ask for him to perform in the Premier League at his age week-in, week out.”
West Brom are likely to pursue a new striker if they win promotion to the Premier League and San Lorenzo’s Argentina international Adolfo Gaich has also been linked with a move to The Hawthorns.
Although the 21-year-old has no Premier League experience, Phillips says that the Argentine might be a better shout than Fletcher.
He added: “I would be looking for someone younger. Gaich might be a gamble that pays off – we will have to wait and see.”
Fletcher did well in the Premier League when he played for Wolves but for most of his career he’s been a Championship-level forward.
The fact that he’s going to be available for free could mean he’d be a decent back-up option if the Baggies do sign him but we already have Charlie Austin and Hal Robson-Kanu on the books.
In other West Brom news, Filip Krovinovic has shared footage of his goal against Aston Villa.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.