West Bromwich Albion need to improve their defence if they are to win the Championship, which explains why they are reportedly scouting Aberdeen’s star.
After years of pragmatism and defensive organisation under Tony Pulis, the downside of the attacking brand of football brought to West Brom by Darren Moore is their increasingly leaky back line.
The defence has been the Baggies’ Achilles heel in the first few months of the Championship campaign. Shockingly, only four teams in the entire division have conceded more goals in 2018/19 than West Brom.
And Kyle Bartley seems to have borne the brunt of the fans’ criticism. The big defender arrived from Swansea City for £4 million but has struggled to settle.
Bartley has started every one of West Brom’s 15 Championship matches but his performances have left a lot to be desired. But could his place in the starting XI come under threat very soon?
According to the Aberdeen Express, West Brom sent a scout to watch 21-year-old Scott McKenna during Aberdeen’s 1-0 Scottish League Cup semi-final win against Rangers at the weekend.
The Scotland international, who has already captained his country, was impressive against Steven Gerrard’s side, showing the combativeness and maturity that has made him one of the most promising young defenders in Britain.
It is understood that the Baggies are now weighing up whether to make a January bid for a player Aberdeen value at £10 million, according to the Daily Record.
So Bartley might need to find form and fast.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
