West Brom preparing £18m bid for Watford’s Troy Deeney but should they compete with Crystal Palace for Ashley Barnes of Burnley instead?
Troy Deeney of Watford is challenged by Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City during the Premier League match at The King Power Stadium.
West Bromwich Albion are lining up an £18m bid for Watford captain Troy Deeney, reports the Birmingham Mail, as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Deeney was left out of the matchday squad for the Hornets’ 1-0 FA Cup fourth round defeat at Southampton at the weekend in what was new manager Javi Gracia’s first game in charge.
Javi Gracia, manager of Watford, looks on prior to The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match against Southampton.
Yet with the striker set to turn 30-years-old in June and having only scored three goals 17 appearances this season, are the Baggies better off spending their money elsewhere?
For instance, Sky Sports claims that Crystal Palace want to sign Ashley Barnes from Burnley and believe an £11m offer would be enough to convince the Clarets to sell a player who is out of contract in 18 months time.
Ashley Barnes of Burnley is challenged by Chris Smalling of Manchester United during the Premier League match at Turf Moor.
Barnes is more than a year younger than Deeney, would apparently cost £7m less and has four goals this term – admittedly in nine more matches but then the 28-year-old has often be used as a winger.
The versatility of the attacker could also be a useful asset as in many ways, signing the Watford skipper would see West Brom have two very similar players in terms of style with Salomon Rondon already at the Hawthorns.
Salomon Rondon of West Bromwich Albion during the Premier League match against Everton.
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