West Brom in pursuit of Elliot Anderson amid Diego Maradona comparisons, Newcastle United to sanction loan
West Brom are in the hunt to sign young Newcastle United attacker Elliot Anderson on loan this summer, according to TeamTalk.
The news outlet reports that Newcastle are willing to let Anderson, 19, leave on loan again ahead of next season after a successful temporary stint at Bristol Rovers this term.
It is understood that the Magpies have “have been inundated with interest” in the attacking midfielder” and the Geordies want him to play in the Championship next season.
West Brom, Stoke, Coventry, Reading and Middlesbrough are reportedly interested in the Scotland youth international.
Diego Maradona-esque
We’ll always take whatever Joey Barton says with a pinch of salt but the ex-Newcastle midfielder has seen Anderson up close and personal since signing him on loan at Bristol Rovers in January.
Anderson’s scored six goals and supplied three assists in 18 appearances for the Rovers, who are fifth in League Two and mounting a promotion bid to League One.
Anderson’s form has been so good at the Memorial Stadium that Barton has gone as far as to compare the young Scot to Argentinean legend Diego Maradona.
As quoted by the Newcastle Chronicle on 15 March, Barton said: “I’ve been listening to Bill Shankley tapes a lot today. He talked a lot about a 19-year-old Diego Maradona and how he slows down in the penalty area, exactly like Elliot Anderson does. (He is) such a talent.”
Barton added: “Elliot has been brilliant for us from the first day we brought him in. I would have paid to watch him tonight – he was that good. He is growing into the shirt and his goal capped an outstanding performance.”
Anderson does sound like the type of player West Brom need because Steve Bruce’s midfield is completely devoid of any kind of creative flair right now.
Based on his displays in League Two, signing Anderson wouldn’t be a terrible idea but of course, playing for Bristol Rovers in the fourth tier and playing for a promotion-chasing Championship club is a big difference.
In other West Brom news, Stan Collymore mocked Bruce on Twitter in the 4-0 loss at Nottingham Forest.
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