Exclusive: Phillips reacts as West Brom are linked with £8.7m-rated defender

We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…

Kevin Phillips believes that West Brom will need to address their centre-back options if they win promotion to the Premier League.

Semi Ajayi and Kyle Bartley have been the Baggies' main centre-back pairing this season while Slaven Bilic has also had Egpyt international Ahmed Hegazi and youngster Dara O'Shea to choose from when needed.

Besiktas and Croatia defender Domagoj Vida has reportedly emerged on West Brom's radar as a potential new addition for Bilic.

Turkish news outlet Sporx has reported that Besiktas are willing to sell the 30-year-old, who they value at £8.7million.

Ex-Albion forward Phillips can see Hegazi leaving The Hawthorns ahead of next season so signing a replacement should be something on Bilic's mind.

When asked if the centre-back area needs addressing in light of the link to Vida, Phillips told West Brom News: "Yes. As much as Ajayi and Bartley have done well, and Hegazi's there, I just think the step up means you're coming up against top-class centre-forwards.

"I've said all along that any team that comes out of the Championship, you look to strengthen down the spine. If you can get one top-class centre-half in, it adds competition for the others. 

"Would Hegazi stay? Will he be there next year? I'm not so sure so then you're only left with two centre-halves really.

"I think that would be an area that Slaven would certainly be looking at, and a striker as well to come in as a focal point and to get them the goals to stay in that league."

Sky Sports reported in December that Hegazi was wanted by Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad ahead of the January transfer window with West Brom rejecting a bid for the Egyptian centre-back.

Hegazi was mainstay of Albion's defence in his first two seasons at the club but has struggled to get back into the side following surgery last summer.

Phillips might be right to suggest the Egyptian's future is in doubt but would Vida be a good replacement? We're not entirely sure.

In other West Brom news, Ally Robertson is thrilled by the EFL's most recent update.