Sky Sports: West Brom want box-to-box midfielder as transfer priorities are detailed
West Brom are prioritising summer moves for a goalscorer and a box-to-box midfielder this summer, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster claims that Albion are also in the hunt to sign a new centre-back, right-back and left-back.
Slaven Bilic’s side just about won automatic promotion to the Premier League and the need for a proven centre-forward was laid very clear this term with top goalscorer Charlie Austin netting just 11 times in all competitions.
Austin and Hal Robson-Kanu both struggled to score consistently and are both in their 30s while £8million Kenneth Zohore failed to show he was worth anywhere near what the club paid for him last summer.
As for a box-to-box midfielder, that one is a bit unexpected due to the need to upgrade the defence but extra bodies are certainly needed in the midfield with Gareth Barry and Chris Brunt set to leave.
Sky Sports reporter Simeon Gholam has said: “Another centre-back may help, too. Semi Ajayi was excellent in their promotion push but Kyle Bartley and Ahmed Hegazi won’t convince for me back in the top flight.”
That is pretty much the view of most West Brom fans too, as a new left-back also has to be a priority due to Kieran Gibbs’ injury issues and Conor Townsend’s lack of Premier League experience.
It wouldn’t be a shock to see West Brom sign plenty of new players this summer with upgrades needed in almost every position.
Sam Johnstone might need a new understudy, clearly players are wanted across the defence and in the centre of the midfield.
Out wide, Albion are well-stocked but what if Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson don’t come back after their loans ended?
It is going to be a huge, huge summer for Slaven Bilic and Luke Dowling.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies are set to bid £6.3million for this Croatia international.
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