Should West Brom eye Gabbiadini’s Southampton situation after agent’s comments?

Follow us on Google Discover

West Brom were beaten by Premier League rivals Southampton to the signature of Italian international striker Manolo Gabbiadini in January 2017.

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino had no interest in letting Manolo Gabbiadini return to Serie A in January amid speculation linking the striker with a move to Bologna.

But the Italian international, who only moved to St Mary’s from Napoli in January 2017, may be on borrowed time with the Saints.

Gabbiadini arrived with a glut of goals this time last year, including two in the EFL Cup final against Manchester United, but his opportunities have dried up of late. Less than half of his Premier League appearances have come from the bench and he has not scored a goal since the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United back in October.

The striker’s agent, Silvio Pagliari, has told Corriere di Bologna that his client is still on the radar of other Premier League clubs despite his struggles on the South Coast.

And West Bromwich Albion should be watching closely as a man they were hoping to sign a year ago was left on the bench as Southampton stuttered to a 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

As reported by the Mail, the Baggies were keen to sign Gabbiadini from Napoli in January 2017 before Southampton swooped in and paid £14 million for the former Sampdoria talisman.

And while he is struggling for chances under Pellegrino, Gabbiadini could have been a key player for Alan Pardew.

He is the kind of instinctive and technically gifted forward that West Brom have lacked all season and, if they retain their Premier League status, they should look to renew their interest, especially if Daniel Sturridge does not stay permanently.

At his best, Gabbiadini can be one of England’s most lethal forwards and West Brom need one of those for the long haul.