Paul Merson believes West Brom landing Sturridge could prove priceless

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West Bromwich Albion enjoyed a fairly quiet transfer window, but did manage a couple of notable pieces of business.

Daniel Sturridge

Paul Merson has told Sky Sports that he would give West Brom’s January window an A- grade, but insisted that it could be significantly better if Daniel Sturridge finds the form that he showed during his spell at Liverpool.

With the club going into the month having not won in the Premier League since August and having fallen into the relegation zone, it was absolutely vital that they enjoyed a good transfer window that ideally included a couple of notable signings.

Alan Pardew

However, to get those signings through the door, it was thought – and suggested by BBC Sport – that selling Jonny Evans may be necessary to give Alan Pardew the kinds of funds that would allow them to get some new players in.

But ultimately, the window would end with Evans still at The Hawthorns while Sturridge and Egyptian defender Ali Gabr have arrived on loan. And Merson suggested that the signings that they have made could make the window a brilliant one for Pardew’s side.

“That [the A- grade] could be A+++ if Sturridge finds anywhere near the form he showed a couple of years ago. I’m a massive fan of his and it’s worth the punt. If he gets going he gets them safe and that’s Mastercard… priceless,” he told Sky Sports.

While Merson was particularly impressed by the deal to land Sturridge – and it is certainly one that could prove a masterstroke for the Baggies – keeping Evans at the club is arguably in contention to be considered as good a piece of business.

While his contract will not have long left to run by the next window, keeping him will be excellent for the Baggies if they do end up staying up. And perhaps if the same interest from elsewhere is not there at the end of the season, perhaps it may not be out of the question to suggest that the defender could consider extending his contract if West Brom are in a good position and show some ambition in the summer.