West Bromwich Albion are currently in a whole world of trouble.
Alan Pardew has a lot of work to do during the January transfer window, if he is to guide his side to safety, with the Baggies currently two points adrift of 17th placed Stoke City.
The 56-year-old would like to strengthen in every position if that was possible, but he will have to be realistic.
With that in mind, here is a five-point plan for West Brom’s January transfer window…
1. Sign an established striker
The Baggies have been woefully inept in front of goal this season, with their tally of just 13 Premier League goals scored currently the second lowest in the division.
Pardew must make it his priority to sign an established forward, if he is to guide his side away from trouble.
Aleksandar Mitrovic and Benik Afobe are two viable options.
2. Sign a young centre-half with one eye on the future
It is no secret that West Brom have one of the oldest squads in the top flight.
Central defence is a particular position of concern for the Black Country outfit.
Whilst Jonny Evans, 29, and Gareth McAuley, 38, are still both top-notch defenders, an injection of youth will be a must, if West Brom are to make progress in the future.
Arsenal pair Rob Holding and Calum Chambers are both potential options.
3. Add a creative midfield spark
The Baggies are a hard-working team, of that there is no doubt, but they do lack a certain type of guile in the final third.
Pardew absolutely must add a player who can directly affect the outcome of a game in the final third, and help supplement the dogged work put in by the likes of Salomon Rondon.
Wolves ace Helder Costa could be a great option for West Brom, if they could tempt their local rivals into selling.
4. Sign a younger back-up for Ben Foster
The 34-year-old is still a perfectly able goalkeeper, but if he gets injured, the Baggies would have to rely upon 35-year-old Boaz Myhill, who has barely featured for West Brom over the past two years.
With one eye on the future, Pardew should consider entering the race for Villa’s on loan stopper Sam Johnstone.
Gunners ‘keeper Matt Macey would be another option.
5. Tie down James McClean to a new long-term deal
The Republic of Ireland international has been in sensational form for club and country this season.
With just 18 months remaining on his current deal at the Hawthorns, and rumours linking him with a switch to Celtic, it will be of absolute paramount importance for the Black Country to tie him down to a new long-term deal.
All five of these suggestions seems like a mighty tall order, but if Pardew somehow manages to achieve at least three of them, it could turn out to be a very successful transfer window for West Brom.
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