Exclusive: Pundit urges West Brom to ‘Push the boat out’ for player reportedly in West Ham talks
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 has urged West Brom to “push the boat out” to beat West Ham to the signing of Bournemouth forward Joshua King.
According to the Telegraph, the Hammers are in talks with the 28-year-old striker, who wants to return to the Premier League following Bournemouth’s relegation last season.
It is understood that King has also been in talks with the Baggies about a potential £10million switch to The Hawthorns.
Phillips believes that King is someone who is worth tabling a big offer to because he admits that West Ham might have the upper-hand in negotiations at this stage.
“What West Ham have got that West Brom haven’t is the draw of living in London,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“They’ve got the London Stadium but I, personally, would rather go to a proper football stadium and you can’t get any more proper than The Hawthorns.
“West Ham have started the season pretty well so that could have a factor in it.
“If West Brom are going to get the player they’re going to have to push the boat out and pay him more than anyone in their squad if they’re really serious.
“If it’s the difference between staying in the Premier League or not then you have to do it as long as it’s not ridiculous and it’s not going to hurt you financially.”
If King wants Premier League football then joining West Ham would probably make more sense as they’re more established in the top-flight and their wins against Wolves and Leicester suggest they’re good enough to avoid relegation this term.
West Brom, on the other hand, are among the favourites to go down and the display at Southampton last week was nothing less than abysmal.
If you were King, who would you rather join right now? West Ham are definitely more likely to seal his signature at this stage.
In other West Brom news, Guochuan Lai would be happy to discuss selling the Baggies.
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