West Brom target loan swoop for Premier League player in January
West Brom head coach Ryan Mason could look to bolster his squad with some reinforcements in the January transfer window
West Brom won 2-1 at home to QPR on Monday evening. Defensive pair George Campbell and Nat Phillips got their goals against the Hoops as they secured all three points at The Hawthorns to ease some pressure off head coach Ryan Mason. The Baggies are back in action on New Year’s Day as they aim to build some momentum now.
They face a tricky away trip to South Wales to play Swansea City. The Midlands outfit are sat in 16th place in the Championship table after 24 fixtures. They are seven points off the play-offs.
West Brom linked with Liverpool midfielder James McConnell
West Brom have the chance to bring in some new faces in the January transfer window. They have the opportunity to freshen up their squad this winter with reinforcements. The Baggies are being linked with a move for Liverpool midfielder James McConnell ahead of next month.
According to the Daily Mail, they are admirers of the Premier League man. League rivals Derby County, Swansea City and Oxford United have also been mentioned as potential suitors. He is currently on loan at Ajax but his future in Holland is up in the air at the moment.
McConnell, 21, was loaned out to the Eredivisie giants back in August to get some experience under his belt. However, he has since struggled for game time in Amsterdam. He has made only seven appearances in all competitions and could now return to Anfield early, despite the fact he is due to spend the whole campaign abroad.
The England youth international joined the Reds back in 2019 after rising up through the academy at Sunderland. He has since gone on to play 13 times for the Merseyside club altogether. Arne Slot’s men have a big decision to make on what to do with him next.
Where would James McConnell fit in at West Brom?
West Brom could see McConnell as someone to bolster their midfield department. If he joined, he would give them more competition and depth in the middle of the park. Manchester United have recalled Toby Collyer, as per The Sun, so there is a vacancy to fill in that position.
If he joined the Baggies, the North East-born man would battle it out with the likes of Alex Mowatt, Ousmane Diakite and Jayson Molumby for a place in Mason’s starting XI. They will need to see off other teams if they are to secure his services though. Derby, Swansea and Oxford can all offer regular minutes as well.
Mason will be relieved that West Brom beat QPR last time out. Speaking afterwards, he said: "Happy with the win, happy to respond because that was the most important thing today just to find a way to win. I thought it was really good value. We played a good game. We were disciplined. We created numerous chances to score more goals. Unfortunate to concede, but I thought the players played a good game and we deserved to win. The challenge now is to get ready to go again.”