Crystal Palace’s Premier League defender Joel Ward is reportedly a target for right-back seeking Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion.

Crystal Palace have just one more Premier League game before the end of August. And, unfortunately for West Bromwich Albion, they could need Joel Ward for the visit to Watford.
The Sun (12 August, page 59) claimed that The Baggies were hopeful of bringing Ward to The Hawthorns on loan after missing out on so many of their right-back targets, including James Tavernier and Tom James, over the last few weeks.
Ward had lost his place in the Crystal Palace starting XI to the Croydon-born 20-year-old Aaron Wan-Bissaka, leading The Sun to state that Roy Hodgson’s side could be willing to let the former Portsmouth man leave with the obligation of West Brom making his loan deal permanent next summer.
But Wan-Bissaka was shown a straight red card for a professional foul on Liverpool’s Mo Salah on Monday night, meaning he will receive a one game ban and will miss that trip to Vicarage Road.

This will surely see Ward, who came on to replace Wan-Bissaka at right back against Jurgen Klopp’s side, return to the first XI.
Therefore, West Brom’s hopes of landing Ward before the end of this week suddenly look very slim. They have until the end of August to seal the deal but, should the 28-year-old impress against Watford, The Baggies could be in danger of missing out on yet another right-back target.

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