Danny Wright

Tue 25 August 2020 20:10, UK

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 it is “exciting” to see West Brom being linked with players who’ve caught the eye of elite European clubs.

Earlier this month, Slaven Bilic confirmed that he has been monitoring Croatian goalkeeper Ivo Grbic [Express & Star].

However, the Baggies missed out on the now-former NK Lokomotiva shot-stopper, who’s since signed for Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

Although the Baggies have missed out on a target, Phillips believes there is reason to be optimistic with Bilic eyeing players who are good enough for teams like Atletico.

“We read so many reports that clubs are linked with this player and that player but with the link with Slaven and Croatia, you would have to say there must’ve been some substance behind it,” Phillips told West Brom News.

“It’s positive. If I’m a West Brom supporter, when you get linked with players like that, it’s exciting.

“I remember when I was at Birmingham and we won promotion and we were signing Obafemi Martins and Alexander Hleb – two players who’ve played at the top, top level.”

“Players and fans get excited by it.”

Grbic is clearly a good goalkeeper for someone like Atletico Madrid to want him and West Brom could have done with a new shot-stopper being added to the squad this summer in time for the new Premier League season kicking off.

Jonathan Bond remains out of contract while Alex Palmer is untested above League Two.

Reports have suggested the Baggies are closing in on 31-year-old Brighton goalkeeper David Button but we would have all preferred someone like Grbic to come in instead.

In other West Brom news, Albion have agreed a fee to re-sign this player on a permanent basis.

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.