West Brom's rivals to seal landmark deal for ex-Arsenal defender as promotion warning shot fired
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West Bromwich Albion’s promotion rivals are continuing to strengthen their squads on the final day of the winter transfer window, with Sheffield United the last side at the top of the Championship table to make a significant signing.
The Blades, who are currently second in the Championship table, have agreed a deal to sign Crystal Palace defender Rob Holding on loan, subject to a medical. The former Arsenal centre-half will stay at Brammall Lane for the rest of the season.
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Hide AdFitness issues and a falling-out with Palace manager Oliver Glasner over training methods had meant Holding had been deemed surplus to requirements at Selhurst Park, and Sheffield United have decided to take the opportunity to add a high-class defender to their ranks.
As the Championship promotion battle takes shape, West Brom will be hoping to avoid losing ground on their rivals for a place in the top six on deadline day but already face the prospect of losing first-choice goalkeeper Alex Palmer as other teams around them add fresh faces to their squads.
Holding among headlines as Championship clubs make moves
The 29-year-old Holding is among the biggest names set to make a move to the second tier on deadline day, but Sheffield United aren’t the only side to add a proven Premier League player to their roster.
Middlesbrough, who are behind West Brom on goal difference alone, are hoping to announce the arrival of Sevilla’s Kelechi Iheanacho, was previously shone for Leicester City in the top flight, and have already signed Aston Villa’s Samuel Iling-Junior on loan.
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Hide AdElsewhere, Norwich City have splashed out on Norther Irish international Ruairi McConville, snapping the defender up from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal which could be worth as much as £3.75m including add-ons.
West Brom have signed just two players so far in the transfer window, with midfielder Isaac Price arriving from Standard Liege in deal believed to be worth around £2.5m before the club confirmed the loan signing of Tottenham Hotspur starlet Will Lankshear.
West Brom expected to be busy on deadline day
The Baggies are likely to add some new faces before the end of the transfer window at 11pm on Monday, and are believed to be very close to the signing of promising Danish forward Tammer Bany from Randers.
The versatile forward, who can play across the front three or as a number ten, is expected to cost around £3.3m including add-ons and is believed to be in the Midlands now completing a medical ahead of his move. There have also been rumours suggesting that West Brom had enquired about a loan move for Southampton striker Adam Armstrong, but the finances involved mean a deal seems unlikely as it stands.
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Hide AdThere has been bad news, however, with the Baggies likely to lose first-choice goalkeeper Alex Palmer. The 28-year-old shot stopper has travelled to Portman Road to complete a medical ahead of a move to Ipswich Town which could be worth up to £5m.
That leaves Tony Mowbray with a headache between the sticks, and while the club could recall young goalkeeper Josh Griffiths from his loan spell with Bristol Rovers, it remains possible that the club look for a permanent addition in the final hours of the window.
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