West Brom double swoop discussed to resolve tribunal, deal remains unlikely – report
Crystal Palace and West Brom have discussed the possibility of James McCarthy and Christian Benteke moving to the Hawthorns, according to The Athletic.
The two sides are still set to head to tribunal over the transfer of Nathan Ferguson, with no fee having been paid yet.
McCarthy and Benteke have been mooted as possibilities to resolve the outstanding payment, although the deal remains unlikely.
Sam Allardyce has admitted this week that he has been forced to lower his expectations this month, as it enters the final week of the window.
The search for a striker really needs to start heating up quickly.
It was reported that the Baggies were in talks for the Belgian international, but it appears as though his wages are too high.
In this Athletic report, it suggests that Palace could even hand Benteke another deal at Selhurst Park, so that seems highly unlikely.
The Albion have certainly dodged a bullet with Ferguson.
There was a massive deal surrounding the defender leaving the Hawthorns, but he has yet to feature in a game of football for nearly a year.
West Brom remain confident that his value remains high, and they could earn more than what McCarthy and Benteke could give them in the Premier League.
Both are ageing players that if the Albion are relegated, they would offer little but high expenses on the wage bill.
Time is ticking, and it may be best for Allardyce to leave this one and wait for the tribunal.
In other West Brom news, Michael Owen predicts result of Manchester City clash
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