Joel Ward has reportedly turned down a new contract at Crystal Palace and has piqued the interest of West Brom gaffer Tony Pulis.
It appears that West Brom won’t have it all their own way in their pursuit of Crystal Palace right-back Joel Ward.
According to The Sun (10th August, page 55), the 27-year-old’s contract expires at the end of this season and he has rejected a four-year deal to remain at Selhurst Park.
As a result, West Brom manager Tony Pulis, who got the best out of Ward during a spell in charge of Palace between 2013 and 2014, is understood to be keen on a reunion at The Hawthorns.
The Baggies could do with options at right back. Craig Dawson continues to perform impressively in the role but he is a centre half by trade and Ward, a regular for Palace since their return to the Premier League in 2013, could offer more balance on the flank.
However, Palace will not let the former Portsmouth player go without a fight.
“Joel Ward is an example for a club like Crystal Palace,” new Eagles boss Frank de Boer said in quotes reported by the Birmingham Mail. “He always gives 200 per cent and every manager wants that type of player in the squad.”
The Dutchman’s arrival this summer had prompted speculation that the defender could be frozen out at Selhurst Park due to his desire to instil a new look 3-4-2-1 system, swapping natural full-backs for more adventurous wing-backs – a role that doesn’t exactly play to Ward’s strengths.
However, he was surprisingly picked from the start as Palace began their Premier League season on Saturday, though performed well below his best in a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to newly promoted Huddersfield Town.
His experience and knowledge of the club could be hugely important to De Boer, who is desperate to put his own stamp on the team.
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