Report: Big Sam wants transfer budget guarantees before agreeing West Brom stay
Sam Allardyce wants guarantees over his summer war chest before agreeing to stay on as West Brom manager, according to the Daily Star.
The one-time England boss arrived at The Hawthorns in December and oversaw a shocking start to his reign with just one win in his first 13 games, but results have picked up recently and Monday night’s win over Southampton was their third in the last six.
Such form has propelled them 10 points away from rock-bottom Sheffield United and creaked open the door of Premier League survival.
There is still much to do with Albion eight points behind 17th-placed Newcastle United with just seven games remaining, but this run of form may have changed perceptions on Allardyce.
The Daily Star report that the West Brom hierarchy are keen for him to stay on into next season regardless of whether the side is plying their trade in the top-tier or the Championship.
However, the 66-year-old wants “guarantees on what budget would be available to him” as he looks to reshape the squad, and there is a ‘break’ clause in his 18-month deal that can be invoked by either party in the event of relegation.
Overhaul required
The building blocks are in place but Big Sam knows he needs to add to the existing squad to be sure of mounting a promotion challenge in the eventuality of relegation.
Sam Johnstone and Matheus Pereira are sure to attract interest this summer after impressing as Premier League performers while Albion will also lose a whole host of other players whose contracts expire.
That includes mid-season loan stars Okay Yokuslu, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mbaye Diagne, all of whom have been integral figures to our recent run of form, as well as Conor Gallagher who has been one of the most consistent performers since he joined on a temporary deal from Chelsea in September.
None of that quartet are expected to remain in the West Midlands next season, especially if relegation to the Championship is confirmed.
The likes of Karlan Grant and Grady Diangana will be hoping their Championship displays last season will see them restored to the starting line-up but this season will have dented confidence and there’s no knowing how players will react next season.
That’s why Big Sam must be afforded a healthy budget, either on the transfer fee or wage front, as he has shown what he can do with his own signings.
Whether that will be possible with the ongoing ownership certainty at the club remains to be seen, however, and we could be left to rue his early departure.
In other West Brom news, Matt Le Tissier makes Albion PL position claim after 3-0 win v Southampton.
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