Sam Allardyce names player West Brom would ‘love’ to sign, shares chances of deal
Sam Allardyce has admitted that West Brom would love to sign Arsenal wing-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the final week of the January window.
The Baggies drew 2-2 with Fulham on Saturday afternoon, and Big Sam admitted that he wants his side to bring in two more faces before Monday’s deadline.
David Ornstein reported this week that the Albion were pushing hard to sign Maitland-Niles on loan, but numerous other clubs were also interested.
Speaking after the game, as relayed by The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley on his personal Twitter account, Allardyce claimed it was unlikely.
“We’d love one to be Maitland-Niles but I don’t think that’s going to be the case,” he said.
Allardyce has made it clear that one of his top targets is likely to leave him disappointed by potentially moving elsewhere.
The wing-back was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Saturday evening, in what could have been his final chance at the Emirates this season.
The Daily Mail reported recently that Southampton were also interested in Maitland-Niles, and were the Baggies main competition for his signature.
It is suggested that the Saints have the advantage in the race, as they are seen as a more attractive proposition, as they sit much higher in the Premier League.
Okay Yokuslu looks set to be one of the two wanted players, but it remains very unclear as to who the second one could be with Maitland-Niles looking off the table at this stage.
In other West Brom news, these Baggies fans react to debut of Mbaye Diagne v Fulham