The one-time England international forward has been touted as being close to joining the Baggies.
Southampton manager Claude Puel has admitted that he could allow Jay Rodriguez to go out on loan this season as speculation suggests he is closing on a move to West Bromwich Albion, as quoted by the Daily Echo.
Rodriguez has managed just 12 competitive appearances since the spring of 2014 as serious injury have all but ruined his last two seasons.
He is now returning to fitness, but will be lacking any kind of match fitness or sharpness after such a disrupted period of his career.
That has led to speculation that he could be set for a loan move away from the club this season, and a report on Thursday claimed that West Brom were hopeful of tying up a deal for the 27-year-old in the next few days.
Now, Puel has hinted that a loan move could well be in the works as he admitted that despite being a big admirer of Rodriguez’s talents he knows that he may benefit from a spell as a first choice at a club.
Puel said, via the Daily Echo: “For Jay also we will see for the next days. I think he is a very good player, I like him and I like his game. The question with Jay is to know if it will be better to play with regularity in a team or for example stay with us sometimes to play.
“He stays two years injured and it’s difficult to come back. I see good technique with qualities and it’s important he comes back with good confidence and a good physical level also to make good games.
“With Jay it is to see it is interesting to stay with us or perhaps a loan with another club. I like this player and his profile.”
Shane Long and Charlie Austin are both ahead of Rodriguez in the centre-forward pecking order at St. Mary’s, whilst Nathan Redmond and Dusan Tadic are the first-choice players in attacking midfield roles.
Rodriguez would likely enjoy a more prominent role at the Hawthorns, and a move to the Baggies could be the best thing for all parties.
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