West Brom have ‘major problem’ with Thomas-Asante, £8m bid needed from Southampton
Southampton will need to pay between £7million and £8million to sign West Brom striker Brandon Thomas-Asante, according to Carlton Palmer.
The Saints are plotting a move for the 25-year-old forward, according to Football Insider [23 July], attempting to find a replacement for Che Adams.
Thomas-Asante has finished both of his seasons at The Hawthorns as the Baggies’ top goalscorer, notching 21 goals in 78 appearances since arriving from Salford City.
Speaking to Football League World on Thursday (25 July), Palmer said: “Southampton are ready to test West Brom’s resolve for Brandon Thomas-Asante.
“Thomas-Asante’s contract situation is a major problem for West Bromwich Albion. He only has one year to go and is out of contract next summer. If there’s no intention to renew his deal or for him to sign a contract, this is the window that West Brom have to sell him to get a decent fee.
“What do I think he’s worth? I think as he’s out of contract next year, Southampton won’t want to pay a stupid amount of money. But, I think they’re probably going to be looking at the £7m-8m mark given his age and the promise he’s shown.
“I think that is the type of figure that West Brom will be looking for, given what they initially paid.”
West Brom ready for Brandon Thomas-Asante bids as Southampton circle
With the Saints gaining promotion back to the Premier League last season, it could be difficult for the player to turn down a move should an offer be made this summer.
Carlos Corberan will not give up on the striker easily, however, having become an important player in the Spaniard’s side over the last two seasons.
With Josh Maja and Daryl Dike’s careers both being heavily affected by injuries, the 25-year-old has been the Baggies’ main source of goals and would leave a void in the squad if he were to leave.
Thomas-Asante has often been criticised for his numbers in front of goal but the club certainly would not have secured a Championship play-off spot last season without him.
If Southampton are to come knocking at The Hawthorns at some point, this could be a transfer saga that drags on until the end of the window.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies must save Mikey Johnston from Celtic after a pre-season altercation with Brendan Rodgers.
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