West Brom U23s star Kevin Joshua set for first-team breakthrough, club want new deal
West Brom are considering handing Under-23s defender Kevin Joshua a new deal to ward off a host of Premier League sides, according to All Nigeria Soccer.
The online outlet claims Everton, Leicester City, Southampton and Crystal Palace are all keeping tabs on the highly-rated 19-year-old after receiving glowing reports from scouts.
Joshua only joined Albion in March from Solihull United after impressing during a four-week trial period.
He signed a contract at The Hawthorns until the end of next season and went straight into the second-string side managed by Deon Burton that sit rock-bottom of the PL2.
But despite their troubles Joshua has caught the eye in his six appearances, four of which have come as a starter. [FBref]
Furthermore, All Nigeria Soccer report that the ‘inside news’ is that he has a major chance to break into the Albion first-team squad in the coming months, and thus the club are keen to secure his future.
One positive of potential relegation…
We’re nine points off 17th-placed Brighton with five games remaining so it looks like our ship has sailed in the Premier League for another year.
Relegation will bring with it a host of departures, with all of our loan players returning to the parent clubs while the likes of Sam Johnstone and Matheus Pereira are sure to be in demand.
But opportunity knocks and that could offer a number a young stars the chance to stake a claim in the first-team squad.
There are a few out on loan that have enjoyed impressive seasons, notably goalkeeper Alex Palmer who is expected to battle it out for the number one spot if we are indeed in the Championship.
The chance will be there and the likes of Joshua could also reap the rewards of relegation, so that could be something that actually swings in our favour if those Premier League sides firm up their interest in him.
Surely he’d rather the chance of first-team football rather than moving to another side’s Under-23s squad.
In other West Brom news, ‘I suspect…’ – Keith Hackett makes referee accusation after WBA controversy v Aston Villa.
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