Athletic: CL side enters race for West Brom target as last-minute hitch threatens Baggies move
Athletic journalist Steve Madeley has said that two Champions League sides are now in the hunt for Filip Krovinovic.
Madeley has claimed that Benfica’s Krovinovic, 25, is wanted by Greek side PAOK, and Shakhtar Donetsk, but the Croatian midfielder would prefer to stay in England, with rejoining the Baggies being his preference.
He has also said that both West Brom and Benfica are happy for Krovinovic to go back the Hawthorns on loan this season, but the two clubs are apart on one thing.
Benfica want a straight obligation to buy as part of the deal while West Brom want this to be made contingent on survival in the Premier League.
Madeley also said there is a sense of optimism that a deal can be reached between West Brom and Benfica, but neither side is prepared to blink first.
Krovinovic spent the 2019/20 season on loan at the Hawthorns, registering three goals and two assists in 40 Championship appearances.
Krovinovic scored all of his three goals for West Brom away from home, with two of them coming in 1-1 draws at Barnsley and Blackburn, rescuing valuable points that helped the Baggies get promoted.
West Brom have already brought back three players who were on loan last season, with the permanent signings of Grady Diangana, Matteus Pereira and Callum Robinson all returning to the Hawthorns.
The clause seems very sensible from a West Brom point of view. No one wants to think about relegation but if it does happen it’s important the club isn’t saddled with players it can’t afford.
However, it obviously wouldn’t suit Benfica as much and if they’ve got rival offers for a permanent deal then this one could get away from Bilic.
It would be a shame as this one looked really close, with A Bola saying it could happen imminetly.
The fact the player wants a West Brom move means there’s still a big chance.
Ivanovic could arrive at the Hawthorns before this weekend’s game against Leicester, in what would be a boost to the club, who would be getting an experienced, cheap, player, who can provide valuable back up to the Baggies back line.
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