Sunderland have reportedly tracked Gent’s Moses Simon for some time – but his price tag means West Brom is a more likely destination.
Don’t ask us why Nigeria clashed with Senegal at Barnet’s Hive Stadium last month. Although West Brom won’t have been complaining. After all, their scouts only had to endure a relatively short journey to see the club’s potential summer signing in action.
According to All Nigeria Soccer, the Baggies are monitoring Nigerian winger Moses Simon who, coincidentally, impressed in that 1-1 draw.
The 21-year-old has long been touted as one of the stand-out youngsters of African football and played a major role in Belgian side Gent’s impressive run to the Europa League round-of-16, knocking out Tottenham Hotspur along the way.
And Simon’s agent, Tony Harris, has admitted that his client may consider a move in the summer.
“Our options are open, we will wait and see,” he told Het Nieuwsblad.
However, it appears that Sunderland may have missed their chance. All Nigeria Soccer report that scouts from the Stadium of Light were also in attendance at Barnet and, according to the Birmingham Mail, they have been tracking Simon’s progress for some time.
David Moyes could certainly use a player with the youngster’s pace and creativity in a side goalless in seven but, with spiralling debts restricting the club in the transfer market, it seems that West Brom have a major advantage.
Especially with the Birmingham Mail claiming that Gent would, rather optimistically, demand £20 million for Simon’s signature. Therefore, their failure to act sooner, when the price tag was not inflated by an increased interest, seems to have cost them dear.
Though their loss could be West Brom’s gain.
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