Carlton Palmer praises Blackpool striker Jerry Yates after West Brom transfer news emerges
Carlton Palmer has given West Brom transfer target Jerry Yates his seal of approval and believes he will want a transfer to a Championship club next season.
The Sun reported (20 May) that the Baggies were one of five teams interested in signing Blackpool’s 26-year-old striker this summer, with his valuation set at £4million.
However, when speaking to Football League World, the talkSPORT pundit issued a warning that the Tangerines remain in control as they hold the option to extend the striker’s contract by a year.
“Bristol City, Coventry, West Brom and Ipswich to name a few are all keen on signing relegated Blackpool striker Jerry Yates,” he said.
“15 goals for the season in a side that has been relegated is a very good goal tally, so it’s no wonder he’s attracting such interest and the player will not want to play in League One he’ll want to stay at a Championship club.
“He’s under contract until the summer of 2024 with the club having the option to extend for another year, so they are in control of the situation, but it is understood they will not stand in his way if their valuation of four million is met.”
Perfect Dike replacement
Carlos Corberan is set to reshuffle his West Brom this squad amid the club’s financial difficulties, but with Daryl Dike out for a number of months with a long-term injury, he will certainly be in the market for a striker.
Although Brandon Thomas-Asante has impressed in his first season in Baggies colours since signing from Salford City, Corberan has few options beyond him.
Karlan Grant has already been linked with a move away from The Hawthorns to Rangers [Darren Witcoop, 10 May], so the club are in dire need of further attacking reinforcements.
At just £4million, Yates looks like a brilliant option to pursue in the summer transfer window.
Over the last three seasons, the English forward has netted 46 goals, as well as an impressive 15 goals this term in a Blackpool side who were eventually relegated from the Championship.
As a like-for-like replacement for the injured Dike, the former Rotherham United player ticks all the boxes.
In other West Brom news, the club have made a desperate attempt to rip fans off now the season has ended.