West Brom ‘leading the race’ to sign £7.5k/wk Premier League midfielder – report
West Brom are closer to signing Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury, as The Telegraph report the club is in pole position to grab his signature.
The Baggies were initially believed to be interested in a loan move for the midfielder, but it is thought the Foxes will only consider a permanent deal.
Choudhury has been on the fringes at the King Power stadium this season and has attracted interest from the likes of Newcastle and Southampton.
However, it is Big Sam’s side who are “leading the race” to sign the 23-year-old according to The Telegraph.
Sensible business
Choudhury may have suffered from a lack of game time under Brendan Rodgers but he could have a lot to offer at the Hawthorns.
The former England U21 international would add Europa League experience and possibly a winning mentality that he would have gained from his experience at Leicester.
Although he could make an immediate impact, his age means he could become a key part of the furniture for years to come.
In that sense, it is a positive that he will only be allowed to leave on a permanent basis.
Also, his Transfermarkt value of £7.2m suggests it may not take a huge outlay from the club to bring him in, so a deal could make a lot of financial sense.
From a footballing perspective, Choudhury has the ability to shore up midfield and add some much-needed protection for a backline that conceded twice against Blackpool.
A return of 1.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game (WhoScored) in his career highlight that ability, with Rodgers also previously praising his aggressive nature in winning the ball back.
Choudhury would be a useful addition, therefore, so it is encouraging to see the Baggies are favourites to sign him.
In other West Brom news, one key player’s unhappy mood is a cause for concern.