Kevin Phillips reacts as Newcastle eye West Brom defender Kyle Bartley
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kyle Bartley might want to move on in the summer and stay in the Premier League if West Brom are relegated this season, according to Kevin Phillips.
Earlier this week, The Telegraph reported that Newcastle United and Burnley have shown an interest in the 29-year-old, who could be available if a decent offer is made in the summer transfer window.
Bartley’s contract has recently been extended until the end of next season with the former Swansea defender in superb form at The Hawthorns.
He’s easily been one of the best players in blue and white since Sam Allardyce was appointed in charge in December.
Although ex-Albion striker Phillips believes Bartley’s impressive form is largely down to how much defending his former club has to do, the fact he’s being linked elsewhere suggests he’s doing a lot of things right.
“He’s done very well,” Phillips told West Brom News. “He’s been put under a lot of pressure, he’s had to do a lot of defending and he’s shown his quality.
“At times, it’s been a difficult season for him but you’re obviously doing something right when you’re being linked with clubs and down at the bottom of the Premier League. He could turn out to be a good signing for someone.
“Of course, I’d like to see him stay at the Baggies and help them come back up. But, naturally, he might want to play as high as he can because he’s not getting any younger.
“I’m sure he wants to stay in the Premier League because he’s shown this season he can perform in it.
“There’s no surprise to see him linked [to Newcastle and Burnley].”
Bartley has made 96 appearances in all competitions for West Brom since joining the Black Country club from Swansea in July 2018.
He’s made 21 of those appearances in the Premier League this season and scored three goals, which makes him Albion’s second-highest league goalscorer this term behind Matheus Pereira.
Bartley’s been an absolute rock at the back in some games and if he decides to move on in the summer and sign for a Premier League club, we might just have to sit back and accept it because he could be a good addition for the likes of Burnley or Newcastle if the Magpies stay up.
It would be worrying for the Baggies though as they will no doubt find it tough to replace Bartley with someone who has an equal level of experience.
In other West Brom news, Albion have set their sights on this 24-year-old goalkeeper who made two stunning saves for his country this week.
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