Everton sealed the signing of Theo Walcott from Arsenal but not before Premier League rivals West Brom tried to lure him to The Hawthorns.
West Brom are in desperate need of new additions but signing them is easier said than done.
Financial Fair Play restrictions mean the Baggies’ ability to spend this month has been vastly reduced and it is difficult enough trying to lure players to a club second bottom in the Premier League at the midway stage of the season.
According to the Express and Star, West Brom failed in loan bids to sign Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings from Liverpool. Troy Deeney also looks unlikely to arrive with Watford’s £20 million valuation out of the club’s price range right now.
And, just to make matters worse, manager Alan Pardew has told Sky Sports that West Brom made an unsuccessful enquiry to sign Theo Walcott from Arsenal.
“If you’re asking me did we discuss Theo? Yeah, we did, but it was pretty evident after a few phone calls that (he wasn’t going to sign),” the Baggies boss said.
Walcott has since joined Everton instead for £20 million. And the prospect of taking on a starring role at the Toffees promises to get the 28-year-old’s stuttering career back on track after he tumbled dramatically down the pecking order at Arsenal.
But while Walcott is not the most universally revered player in English football, his natural pace, clever movement and impressive goal-scoring record would have been welcomed at a West Brom side who have looked toothless for a number of years now.
With West Brom now failing in moves for at least four attackers, it appears that Pardew is up against it in his bid to turn this ship around. Because it is difficult to see the Baggies surviving without reinforcements.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
