Report – West Brom loan target set to be offered pay rise by current club
Chelsea are set to offer reported West Brom target Michy Batshuayi a new deal at Stamford Bridge, according to The Sun.
The Baggies emerged as potential suitors for the Belgium international earlier this week, with the prospect of a loan move being touted over the coming weeks.
But while the Blues would still be open to the prospect of sending Batshuayi out on a temporary deal for the 2020/21 campaign, it is understood that they are keen to tie him down to a new contract before sanctioning his exit.
The 26-year-old’s current deal with Chelsea is set to expire next summer.
As well as Albion, it is understood that Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on the player ahead of a potential move.
The report from The Sun also claims that Batshuayi could be in line for a £15,000-a-week pay rise despite being a long way down the pecking order for Frank Lampard’s men.
As counterintuitive as it may seem, this could actually be very beneficial to the Baggies.
Usually, when a reported target is handed a new deal by his current club, it is a signifier that he is off-limits.
In Batshuayi’s case, however, it could make him much more available for a potential loan.
The Belgian’s current situation means that he either has to be sold this summer or Chelsea stand to lose him for nothing this time next year.
By extending his deal, the Blues will afford themselves the luxury of being able to send him out on loan while still knowing that they could fetch a fee for him further down the line.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies have been linked with a Chelsea defender.
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.