West Bromwich Albion defender Gareth McAuley could be set to extend his Hawthorns stay, according to reports.
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha in action with West Bromwich Albion’s Gareth McAuley
Towering centre half Gareth McAuley has been an ever present in West Brom’s defence this season, an impressive feat considering he is 37-years-old. Just like a fine wine, the Northern Ireland international seems to be getting better with age and is showing no signs of hanging up his boots just yet.
And the former Leicester City and Ipswich Town centre back is said to be close to agreeing a new one year contract extension with Albion, according to the Birmingham Mail, which could take him close to a Premier League record as the the division’s oldest ever defender.
His blossoming partnership with Jonny Evans in the centre of defence has been a key component in Albion’s superb season, they currently sit in eighth position and are on course to secure a top-half finish.
McAuley has played every minute of their 29 games so far. His six goals in the league also makes him the team’s second top goalscorer, sitting just one goal behind talismanic striker Salomon Rondon. He is also still playing international football for Northern Ireland, just in case you needed any more reason to be impressed.
As a result of his consistent form over the past few seasons, he has become a firm favourite amongst Baggies supporters. McAuley turns 38 in December and is currently the oldest outfield player playing in the Premier League. Former England captain and Chelsea defender John Terry is second but is one year McAuley’s junior.
McAuley has scored six goals so far this season
The oldest ever defender to play in the Premier League was Colin Cooper at Middlesbrough at 39 years old and 68 days. If McAuley does sign his new deal, it will only take him into his 38th birthday.
However, if he is to recreate his form next season then the Baggies would be foolish not to offer him a further contract extension.
No new deal is signed yet so it is possible that his immediate future could lie away from Hawthorns. With this in mind it would be safe to assume that Premier League clubs will be monitoring the situation closely. It would be even safer to assume that Gareth McAuley is not going away any time soon.
Gareth McAuley is set to earn his 71st Northern Ireland cap on Sunday
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