Exclusive: Phillips wants West Brom to get huge deal ‘Over the line’ after fee reportedly agreed
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 is delighted to see that West Brom have reportedly agreed a fee to re-sign winger Grady Diangana from West Ham.
The Telegraph reported earlier this week that Albion have agreed a deal worth up to £18million, including add-ons, for the 22-year-old.
Matheus Pereira is the only player who the Baggies have signed since winning promotion with the Brazilian arriving permanently at The Hawthorns due to a clause in his loan deal last season.
Phillips is eager to see Diangana join Pereira in returning to the Black Country to help Slaven Bilic secure some vital consistency in his squad.
“I’d love to see them keep the majority of last season’s squad together and I think Pereira and Diangana were two critical players,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“Pereira’s was a great deal for the club as it wasn’t too expensive. Yes, this one for Diangana will cost a bit more but it’s going to be same for everyone.
“I’ve read it could go up to £18million so it’s going to be a club record and if he can put in the performances he did when he was fit last year, then it will turn out to be a really good bit of business.
“I hope it gets over the line because keeping players at the club who are familiar with the club can only be a good thing.”
Diangana was hit by a number of injury issues last season but he still managed to play a key role in helping West Brom win promotion to the Premier League by scoring eight goals and supplying seven assists in 30 Championship appearances.
Pereira and Diangana were very much the stars of the show for Bilic last term and having them in the squad for the Premier League would be significant in the club’s bid to avoid relegation in their first year back in the top-flight.
In other West Brom news, the club is close to agreeing personal terms with this forward.
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