Ross Jones

Tue 25 August 2020 12:00, UK

West Brom fans have taken to Twitter to discuss claims that their club is nearing a deal to bring Brighton goalkeeper David Button to The Hawthorns. 

According to The Telegraph journalist John Percy, the Baggies are in talks over a deal that would be worth around £1 million if it goes ahead.

And it’s safe to say that it is a move that has divided fans.

While some see the 31-year-old as a perfectly acceptable – if somewhat unspectacular – signing who can provide cover for current number one Sam Johnstone, others have been critical of spending a seven-figure fee on a back-up goalkeeper.

But is he really worth having a “meltdown” over, as one fan put it?

On paper, at least, he doesn’t look like a terrible signing at all.

As per Wyscout, he has actually averaged more saves per game in his career than Johnstone, as well as having a higher pass completion rate, and taking more accurate goal kicks.

Button also has vast experience, and has played for 16 clubs in his career so far.

If he is coming in as a backup to Johnstone, which you would assume he is, then that depth of knowledge can only be a good thing.

The other key thing to consider with this deal is that it will more than likely allow Albion to send Alex Palmer out on loan again this term.

The young stopper impressed during his spell with Plymouth Argyle last season, and Button’s arrival would probably free him up to go and gain more valuable first team minutes elsewhere.

Granted, the Brighton man is hardly an earth-shattering signing, and in an ideal world you would probably prefer that fee to be a little bit lower, but all things considered, this is a smart, if fairly bland, piece of business.

Here are some of the best tweets from supporters:

In other West Brom news, Kevin Phillips has urged Albion to take a hit on this player and sell him this summer.

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