Kevin Phillips raves about West Brom-linked striker Liam Delap
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…
Kevin Phillips would rather see West Brom sign Watford’s Andre Gray than Manchester City youngster Liam Delap as Valerien Ismael hunts down a new striker for his team.
The Express & Star has reported this month that Delap, 18, is on Ismael’s radar while The Athletic claims Wolverhampton-born Jamaica international Gray, 30, is also a target.
England youth international Delap started his career at Derby County, where ex-Albion striker Phillips worked with him.
And while Super Kev doesn’t doubt Delap’s talent, he would rather see Ismael sign a more experienced striker in Gray.
Speaking to West Brom News, Phillips said: “I know Liam well. I worked with him at Derby and I’ve worked with [his father] Rory so I know them very well, he’s an exciting talent and I’ve seen him grow up.
“But I just think it’s a lot of pressure to bring a young kid in to score goals in that league. It might be too much but he does have undoubted qualities.
“From West Brom’s point of view, if it was Delap or Andre Gray, I would opt for Andre just for that experience.
“Liam Delap would certainly be a big impact player if he’s brought in.
“He can come off the bench when West Brom are chasing games and maybe be a player who isn’t going to cost the earth. But if I had to pick, it would be Gray.”
Delap made his senior debut for Man City last season when he scored in a 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.
His goalscoring form in Premier League 2 was simply incredible last term too as the young forward netted 24 goals in 20 appearances for Man City’s Under-23s.
Delap has just three senior appearances to his name but Gray has played over 100 times in both the Premier League and the Championship, as well as the Jamaica national team.
In other West Brom news, Albion could still swoop in to sign this Premier League goalscorer on loan this month.
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