TalkSPORT pundit: West Brom can secure January transfer for ex-Chelsea youngster Jon Russell on cut-price deal
Carlton Palmer believes that West Brom can secure the services of Huddersfield Town and former Chelsea midfielder Jon Russell in the January transfer window.
On 4 December, Sun journalist Alan Nixon reported that the Baggies wanted to sign Russell as his contract is expiring at the end of the season.
Palmer believes that his former club are well positioned to complete this signing next month and does not see him penning an extension at Huddersfield.
Speaking to Football League World, the talkSPORT pundit said, “Well, they know each other well, and he played an integral part in Huddersfield finishing third in the league last time out.
“He’s not featured that much this season. I think he’s played seven games and I think it’s a standoff by the club because he won’t sign a new deal.
“So at the end of the day, I think West Brom might be able to get him out on a cut-price deal. Huddersfield are in a precarious position at the bottom of the league, so, I think it works for all parties.
“If he’s not going to sign a new deal, and you’re not going to play him, then you might as well offload him for a fee.”
Decent move
The Baggies desperately need midfielders in the January transfer window and Carlos Corberan would certainly take Russell at the club in a heartbeat.
At 22, Russell still has years to go before he peaks and he spent over a decade at Chelsea so he’s certainly picked up a few things from Cobham.
It’s supposed to be one of the best academies in Europe and if Corberan can mould him correctly, Russell could go on to have a terrific future at the club.
He did not get the big break he wanted at Chelsea, but West Brom seem to be on the rise and they can deliver Premier League football to him in the future.
As his deal is running out, he is also not likely to cost too much so that perfectly plays into the hands of the Baggies.
They need at least two or three signings in January and the 22-year-old is certainly someone we would like to see at the Hawthorns.
In other West Brom news, Chris Lepkowski has addressed rumours of the Baggies going into administration after what happened recently.