Crystal Palace rising star in talks to join West Brom just hours before transfer window shuts
West Brom are looking to add a Crystal Palace gem to their squad before 7pm’s deadline.
Relegation beckons for West Brom this season, and while Eric Ramsay will rightfully take some of the blame for that should it happen, the recruitment has also played a key role in the Baggies’ regression.
Albion have had to try and rectify that with some late moves on deadline day, having already announced the loan signing of Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba from Aston Villa.
Now, West Brom are eying a move to sign a young talent from Crystal Palace before the window slams shut.
Hindolo Mustapha sparks interest from West Brom
Crystal Palace are expected to have a frantic end to the window, and even more so after it was reported that Jean-Philippe Mateta’s move to AC Milan has stalled.
However, the Eagles could be set to sanction an exit for one of their youth talents in the meantime, with West Brom keen on a potential deal.
Hindolo Mustapha has earned his plaudits for Palace’s youth teams, but failed to showcase his worth throughout a loan spell in Germany earlier this season.
Now Fabrizio Romano has reported that West Brom are looking to do a deal for the 19-year-old before the end of play on Monday night.
Mustapha operates anywhere in an attacking area, having also been linked with a move to Bradford City earlier this month.
It’s unclear whether the Baggies are chasing a permanent deal or a loan deal for the teenager, but the former would certainly make the most sense given his age and profile.
What do West Brom see with Hindolo Mustapha?
Given the lack of exposure Mustapha has had in senior football, it’s hard to see him being a first-team signing for West Brom.
However, the teenager has shown promise at youth level, especially last season.
Mustapaha scored 11 goals and registered nine assists for Crystal Palace’s Under-21 side last campaign, and managed one goal in his three appearances this season before he joined Nurnberg II on loan.
As quoted via Crystal Palace’s profile of the forward, Mustapha is described as an “imposing physical presence”, which will only improve as he gets opportunities to impress.
However, given West Brom’s current situation in the Championship, it feels unlikely that he would get that chance this season.
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