Alan Pardew is the new West Bromwich Albion manager, and may be looking at potential transfer targets.
During Alan Pardew’s time as Crystal Palace boss, it appears that he came desperately close to bringing Michy Batshuayi to Selhurst Park, with the Guardian reporting in June 2016 that the Eagles had agreed a £31.6 million fee for the Belgian, who was attached to Marseille at the time.
Ultimately however, Batshuayi would end up joining Chelsea shortly after, leaving Pardew empty-handed. But perhaps after taking the West Brom job, Pardew should look to have a second go at an ambitious move for the 24-year-old.
Batshuayi has endured a difficult time at Stamford Bridge, having struggled to force his way into Antonio Conte’s side on a regular basis, and The Telegraph reported earlier this month that the striker may be made available on loan in January.
West Brom have shown more ambition in the transfer market over the last few windows, bringing players like Grzegorz Krychowiak to The Hawthorns, and they should look to continue that approach in January as they look to drag themselves away from danger in the Premier League.
Signing Batshuayi on loan would be a fantastic piece of business from the Baggies if Pardew managed to make it happen, and the forward would surely love the chance to get a regular run of games under his belt to potentially prove himself to Chelsea or put himself in the shop window perhaps.
If West Brom are determined to elevate themselves up the table in the coming years, signing marquee names like Batshuayi will surely help their cause, as it should not only improve the team’s fortunes on the pitch, but it should also make the club an even more appealing prospect to potential targets.
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