West Brom hold talks over defender with 96 PL appearances, West Ham also interested – report
West Brom will need to strengthen a number of different positions before they kick off their Premier League season in September.
Slaven Bilic has a number of worries at the Hawthorns, including the final third and in the heart of his defence after limping to second place.
On one hand, Semi Ajayi has been fantastic and will surely be guaranteed a spot in the side. On the other, no player has been able to cement the place alongside him, with Kyle Bartley and Ahmed Hegazi passing the baton at times.
With a spot up for grabs, it has been reported by the Daily Mail that the Baggies have been in contact with Brighton over Shane Duffy.
The Seagulls have an abundance of centre-backs at the AMEX, and Bilic sees the Irish international as the no-nonsense defender he needs.
It won’t be straight forward though, with West Ham also interested – although they will need to sell players before bringing any through the door.
Brighton have already welcomed Joel Veltman and will no doubt need to sell a couple of centre-backs to trim their squad.
Duffy made 19 appearances last season and has great Premier League experience – featuring in the top-flight 96 times in his career.
The 6’3 colossus offers a great threat in the box too, being involved in 13 goals since moving to Brighton – something that will no doubt please Bilic.
Transfermarkt values the 28-year-old at £8.6million, and if the Albion can secure his services for that, they could get themselves a real bargain.
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