West Brom eye ‘cut-price’ former Chelsea man who could help fix problem for Carlos Corberan

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in signing former Chelsea midfielder Jon Russell in the January transfer window, as new manager Carlos Corberan looks to make reinforcements to his squad. Having taken over from the sacked Steve Bruce at the end of October, the Spaniard has now had around six weeks to assess the current crop at the Hawthorns.

The World Cup international break has given Corberan the opportunity to work with his players a little closer, and it was revealed by two Albion players that the squad has been firmly put through its paces. As is the nature of bringing in a new head coach mid-season, it is likely Corberan will dip into the transfer market this January.

Russell, who Corberan has already managed from his time at Huddersfield Town, is one name to have emerged and he is on the Baggies’ shortlist, according to The Sun. West Brom are said to want to bring the 22-year-old to the club for a cut-price fee as his Huddersfield contract expires in the summer.

The Jamaican has made just seven appearances for the Terriers in the Championship this season but was more of a key fixture under Corberan last campaign. He played 17 times and scored two goals as Huddersfield were led to a surprise play-off final against Nottingham Forest at Wembley.

If Russell were to make the move to West Bromwich, he would add some much-needed depth in midfield, helping solve a bit of a problem for Corberan. He likely wouldn’t start as John Swift, Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Jayson Molumby all impressed before the World Cup break, but he would push other members of the squad to improve.

Competition within a squad is normally only a good thing and having an extra midfielder could prove to be key with how often fixture congestion can rack up in the Championship. Russell also offers plenty of versatility as he can play either as a deep-lying anchor, a box-to-box, or a playmaker.

West Brom’s next game - the first after the World Cup break - is away at Sunderland on Monday, December 12. The Baggies then take on Rotherham on December 17, before playing away at Coventry four days later.