Three areas West Brom could look to strengthen in January

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With the January transfer window now open, where will West Bromwich Albion be looking to improve their squad?

With a potential European place on the cards, West Bromwich Albion will surely see the now open January transfer window as a huge opportunity. After an excellent start to the season, Tony Pulis’ side are now looking to add to their side and maintain their impressive charge towards a potential Europa League placed finish.

But where do Tony Pulis’s side need to improve? We take a look at three key areas West Brom could do with strengthening this month, and throw out some possible names of players they could look to bring in.

West Brom manager Tony Pulis before the match

Defensive Cover

For what seems like nearly a year, West Brom have been forced to play certain players out of position to fill holes in their defence. With right-back and centre-back often being the biggest problems, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Tony Pulis try to bring in a versatile defender in this window. As well as filling a gap, a new defender would help to cover West Brom’s ageing defenders Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson. Could Manchester United’s Chris Smalling, who seems to be out of favour at Old Trafford, follow former team mate Johnny Evans to the Hawthorns?

England’s Chris Smalling

An Attack-Minded Midfielder

West Brom are sometimes criticised for their long-ball football, and it’s been suggested that the team lack creativity in the midfield. Knowing they will need to start producing goals from more areas later in the season if they want to keep up their impressive form, Pulis could turn to Hull midfielder and Scottish international, Robert Snodgrass. The former Leeds man has been linked with a move away from the KC Stadium, after turning down the offer of a new contract. As well as adding goals to this side, Snodgrass would also offer West Brom more options from set-pieces, and could unlock even more goals for in-form striker Solomon Rondon.

Hull City’s Robert Snodgrass (R)

Another Striker

Whilst in the form of his life, Rondon is currently undroppable, and it’s no surprise to see West Brom’s other talented centre forward, Saido Berahino, and Wales international Hal Robson-Kanu, struggle for game time at the minute. With Berahino likely to be either offered a new contract or moved on this month, West Bromwich Albion might well be looking for some extra firepower, to cover the impressive Rondon should be pick up an injury.

With Burnley’s Andre Grey and Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson impressing this season, Pulis could well look to sign up an injection of pace. Or, Pulis could turn to the Premier League Champions Leicester City for Argentine striker Leonardo Ulloa, who will be looking for more game time, and would suit Rondon’s style of play.

Leicester City’s Leonardo Ulloa in action with Swansea’s Leroy Fer