View: Allardyce move for former int’l could mark end for £5.5m West Brom stalwart
West Brom are on the verge of signing Robert Snodgrass and that could lead to Matt Phillips getting axed from the starting line-up.
The Telegraph report that the West Ham winger, 33, is poised for a medical at the Hawthorns on Thursday, as he looks set to be the first addition of the January window.
There are a plethora of options on the wing for West Brom, including Matheus Pereira and Callum Robinson, though it is Phillips who has been preferred so far.
In Allardyce’s four games in charge the 29-year-old has started three at right-wing.
However, he was hauled off at half-time in the abysmal display against Leeds, so it is possible that Snodgrass could be picked ahead of the £5.5m man.
More to offer than Phillips?
There may be some eyebrows raised at the purchase of the retired Scotland international given his age, as well as his lack of game time at the Hammers this campaign.
Snodgrass may prove to be an inspiration, with one key attribute giving him cause to start ahead of Phillips.
Set-pieces. The 33-year-old has a dangerous left-foot and is capable of producing assists from corners and free-kicks.
At West Ham he created 17 goals in 85 starts, a respectable effort for a player who did not always enjoy a long run in the team.
In this manner he resembles former Sunderland man Wahbi Khazri, a winger Big Sam signed when he took over the Black Cats in 2015.
The Tunisia international shares Snodgrass’ set-piece ability, and even scored direct from a free-kick against Manchester United two weeks after signing, in February 2016.
This is important as it hints that Allardyce could use Snodgrass in a similar role, and given Phillips isn’t as adept with the dead ball he could struggle for starts.
Moreover, the Scotland international has failed to show his best form in all departments since rejoining the top-flight.
In 14 games Phillips has failed to score and has just one assist, leading to an average WhoScored rating of just 6.2, which simply isn’t good enough for a team aiming for survival.
As a result, the winger must use the arrival of Snodgrass as motivation to improve, or risk losing his place in the side.
In other West Brom news, sights have been set on a 48-goal striker who also interests Aston Villa.