Arne Slot could personally intervene as West Brom eye highly rated Liverpool gem
Liverpool youngster James McConnell is once again attracting the interest of West Brom ahead of the January transfer window.
Ryan Mason has had a turbulent time as Baggies boss so far, but there are still hopes that the 34-year-old can lead a push for promotion.
Albion currently sit 16th in the Championship, but are just seven points away from a play-off spot after a 2-1 win over QPR on Monday.
Mason will be hoping for new additions at West Brom next month to boost Albion’s chances of picking up momentum in the new year.
West Brom were previously been linked with McConnell in the summer, and according to a new report, the Liverpool loanee could finally be headed for The Hawthorns in January.
Three-club rule that may worry West Brom in James McConnell pursuit
According to the Daily Mail on Monday, Liverpool are considering recalling McConnell from his loan spell at Ajax due to the youngster finding game time hard to come by in the Netherlands.
West Brom have been named among other interested Championship clubs such as Derby County and Swansea City, who are monitoring the 21-year-old.
There is a suggestion that Arne Slot could consider bringing the midfielder back to Anfield to play him in the Reds’ FA Cup clash against Barnsley due to a current lack of midfield options.
However, if the Liverpool boss were to do this, McConnell would not be allowed to play for another team this season due to the three-club rule set out by FIFA.
Mason may be ringing Shilen Patel up to make sure he gets the deal over the line in January, as the young gem could be a huge coup for the Black Country club.
Should Slot intervene and use McConnell against Barnsley next week, though, then there is no chance of this loan deal happening.
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What type of player is Liverpool youngster McConnell?
McConnell’s potential arrival could throw up massive questions over who the starlet would replace.
Jayson Molumby hasn’t had an easy season under Mason and has featured on Albion’s bench more than he would have liked to.
It’s hard to tell what Mason’s preferred midfield is, and the interest in McConnell is telling.
- McConnell has played 13 times for Liverpool
- He has played for the Reds three times in the Europa League
McConnell can, however, offer the Baggies boss a range of qualities. The Liverpool-owned star is primarily a defensive midfielder, but can play as an eight too.
The youngster has a fantastic eye for a long pass, has brilliant ball retention, and could add more press resistance to Mason’s midfield.
It could open up opportunities for the Baggies to play out from the back, as McConnell’s potential loan signing would be a huge step in the right direction.
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