Exclusive: Kevin Phillips thrilled as West Brom reportedly make move to sign ‘Exciting talent’
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 would be a “huge boost” for West Brom if they manage to sign Eberechi Eze before the Premier League season kicks off next month.
The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley reported on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday that the Baggies had agreed a fee with QPR worth around £17million in installments for the 22-year-old.
Eze played as either a central attacking midfielder or on the left-wing for Rangers last season as he scored 14 goals and supplied eight assists in 46 Championship appearances.
Phillips believes he could potentially replace Diangana on Slaven Bilic’s left-wing or play a more fluid attacking role.
“I think he could play the same role as Diangana last season because he likes to drift,” Phillips told West Brom News. “Yes, he plays centrally but having watched him a few times, he does drift into wide areas to pick the ball up and travel with it.
“He’s not got a specific position where he’s an out-and-out number 10 but I definitely think he can play in that wide area on either side.
“He’s an exciting talent and if you pick him up for that sort of money.
“Of course, stepping up from the Championship and playing the same in the Premier League will be a different ball-game but he’s certainly got the power and the technique to settle in.
“If they can get him through the door before the season starts, that would be a huge boost.”
Although West Brom reportedly agreed a fee with QPR, it seems as though they are set to miss out on signing Eze this summer.
The Athletic journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke reported on Thursday that Eze was due to undergo a medical with Crystal Palace ahead of joining Roy Hodgson’s side at Selhurst Park.
It seems as though Albion have missed out on signing Eze simply because they are not based in London, which is a huge shame.
At least the club tabled offers for Eze and tried to sign him but, unfortunately, there’s nothing they can do about his desire to stay in London.
In other West Brom news, Albion have agreed a fee to re-sign this player on a permanent basis.
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