With Jonny Evans looking set for a summer transfer to Manchester City, who could West Brom bring in in defence as they prepare for life in the Championship?
West Brom are surely going to need to sign one or two new defenders this summer with the news that Jonny Evans is looking to seal a transfer to Manchester City.
The Northern Ireland international has been a key player for the Baggies in recent times, impressing bigger clubs in the process.
The Daily Mirror now report that Evans wants a move to City, and will be free to move for just £3million if West Brom are relegated from the Premier League, as looks more than likely at this stage.
While this is undoubtedly a bitter blow for West Brom to end what has been a miserable season in general, there should be some decent candidates available this summer who could certainly do a job in the Championship and fill that void left by Evans:
Ashley Williams (Everton)
Looking slightly past his best at Premier League level, Ashley Williams is a name you wouldn’t be surprised to see head for the Goodison Park exit door this summer.
Everton can do better than the 33-year-old Welshman, and a step down to Championship level at this stage of his career makes perfect sense for him.
West Brom could easily benefit from Williams’ experience as he’s shown himself to be a solid performer in the top flight, at international level, and in the lower leagues in the past.
Michael Hector (Chelsea)
If West Brom prefer to try going down a slightly different route, they could do well to pounce on perpetually-loaned-out Chelsea defender Michael Hector.
The 25-year-old has spent this season with Hull City in the Championship and has shown himself to be one of the more solid performers in the division, if not quite looking like becoming a regular for any Premier League side any time soon.
For West Brom, however, he could be a perfect fit as he looks to play more first-team football and perhaps move up to a side who could be in the mix for promotion next term.
Robert Huth (Leicester City)
A risky signing given his recent injury record, but you know what you’re getting with Robert Huth.
The big German hasn’t played for Leicester this season and may find it hard getting his place back at this stage, given the form of players like Harry Maguire at the back.
West Brom could be a great move for him to revive his career at this stage, with top flight sides perhaps likely to be unsure about taking a gamble on the 33-year-old at this point.
Winston Reid (West Ham)
No longer a regular at West Ham, Winston Reid could do with stepping down to the Championship to play a bit more, and West Brom could benefit hugely from his arrival.
The 29-year-old has shown his quality in the Premier League and attracted links with bigger clubs in the past, but now seems like a good time for him to step down a level to ensure he gets 90 minutes under his belt week in, week out.
Reid could be available for a reasonable price and would surely be a big help for West Brom in their push to get back into the Premier League next season.
Axel Tuanzebe (Manchester United)
Another talented youngster the Baggies could do with trying a loan move for is Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe.
The 20-year-old has been loaned out to Aston Villa this season but struggled to play regularly, something that might be less of an issue for him at the Hawthorns.
United will no doubt be keen to get him out playing as often as possible, so this deal makes sense for both parties if it can be agreed.
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