West Brom in advanced talks to sign new France-born player – reliable journalist
West Brom are in “advanced” talks to sign Wigan centre-back Cedric Kipre after an impressive season in the Championship, according to Steve Madeley.
The Athletic journalist reported on Thursday that the Baggies have held talks with Wigan’s administrators about a potential deal for the 23-year-old defender, who was “one of Wigan’s most impressive performers last season” as they suffered relegation to League One.
While it is understood that West Brom have not tabled a formal bid for the France-born player just yet, he could be available for less than £1million due to the Latics’ perilous financial situation.
Madeley adds that Blackburn had been leading the race to sign the former Motherwell and Leicester defender but it is reported that he’s expected to be lured to The Hawthorns due to the chance of playing in the Premier League.
As Madeley said, Kipre was one of the most impressive players for Wigan last season with the Latics only suffering relegation to League One due to their 12-point deduction for entering administration.
Kipre put in solid shifts in both of his appearances against West Brom in the Championship in a 1-1 draw at the DW Stadium and a 1-0 win for Wigan at The Hawthorns.
According to stats by WyScout, Kipre made 11.27 recoveries per 90 minutes of Championship football last season while also averaging 6.37 interceptions, 4.08 clearances and 4.67 defensive duels, of which 73.3 per cent were won.
Kipre’s passing stats weren’t bad either with the Ivory Coast Under-23 international completing 83.1 per cent of all passes in the league and 49.4 per cent of all long-range passes.
West Brom could do with a new centre-back to partner Semi Ajayi in the Premier League next season after inconsistent spells in the Championship for the club by Kyle Bartley and Ahmed Hegazi.
Based on his impressive stats for a relegated club, Kipre could be an absolute steal for less than £1million.
In other West Brom news, Albion have agreed a fee to re-sign this player on a permanent basis.
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