Any Wes Hoolahan deal could be superb for West Brom’s Harvey Barnes

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A report has suggested that West Bromwich Albion have taken Wes Hoolahan on trial.

It was reported by the Eastern Daily Press on Wednesday that West Brom have taken Wes Hoolahan on trial as Darren Moore seemingly considers whether to offer the attacking midfielder a contract with the Baggies.

Moore has used a handful of out of contract players throughout pre-season, and recently landed Tyrone Mears on a free transfer following the end of his spell in Major League Soccer.

And the report from the Eastern Daily Press suggests that Hoolahan – who left Norwich City at the end of last season – may be in line for a deal with the Baggies as he is apparently training with the club.

It is a surprise that the former Republic of Ireland international is available at this stage of the summer. While he may be 36, he made 29 Championship appearances last season and showed during his final months with the Canaries that he could still do a job for most of the teams in the second tier.

It remains to be seen if he signs a deal with West Brom. If he does, then some supporters may be slightly concerned about what a move could mean for Harvey Barnes, the Leicester City loanee who has been sensational so far this term.

But Barnes should look at potentially working with Hoolahan as a fantastic opportunity even if he is a potential rival for his place in the team. He has played well over 100 times in the Premier League and has been one of the second tier’s best players over the last decade – if there is one player that Barnes should look to learn from, it is perhaps Hoolahan.

And given that his arrival would cost the Baggies nothing, it is difficult to see how a potential deal would not make sense. The worst case scenario may be that Hoolahan joins and fails to make an impact before surely moving on next summer. If things go well, it could prove to be a masterstroke.