Reliable journalist: West Brom ‘serious’ about move for mid with 6 Europa apps, Allardyce a fan
Sam Allardyce is interested in the loan signature of Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury to boost his struggling West Brom squad, according to the Express and Star.
Choudhury has struggled for game time this season, making just three Premier League appearances, but the 23-year-old has played in all six of Leicester’s games in their successful Europa League campaign so far.
Battling the likes of Wilfred Ndidi and Youri Tielemans in midfield is a tough task for most young players and it is proving to be a battle he is losing, so a loan move seems appropriate at this stage.
As reported by Express and Star, Choudhury is a player that Allardyce “admires” and is under “serious consideration” according to Joseph Masi as he looks to bolster his midfield ranks and Leicester are open to letting him leave on a temporary deal as he is eager to see more action.
The Baggies will have to be smart, however, with Masi commenting that they only have one domestic loan slot available in their squad, with Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher currently occupying half of their quota.
With a number of other targets in key areas, particularly at the two top ends of the pitch, Allardyce will have to be savvy in his recruitment and start prioritising who is most needed to help stave off Premier League relegation.
Short on quantity and quality
A move for Choudhury seems like a smart piece of business if a deal can be reached, with West Brom currently lacking suitable options in the middle of the pitch, particularly those with a defensive mindset.
Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers have generally been the men entrusted to protect the leaky defence behind them, but it has been to very limited success as the Baggies sit in 19th position in the Premier League with 39 goals conceded, the most in the division.
Indeed, Livermore and Sawyers (third and eighth respectively) are among the lowest rated performers in the Premier League this season, per WhoScored.
The only other recognisable defensive midfielder in the squad is 22-year-old Sam Field who has missed most of the season through injury.
This lack of protection has not helped Albion and Allardyce will be determined to add a combative enforcer in the middle of his midfield as he aims to drag the side to safety this season.
Choudhury could fit the bill for the Baggies and offer them a boost to their survival bid.
In other West Brom news, fans call for this returning player to be given a first-team chance.
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