West Bromwich Albion are reportedly looking to bolster their centre-back options this summer.
According to a report from the Birmingham Mail, West Brom’s three main centre-back targets for this summer are Ben Gibson of Middlesbrough, Sunderland’s Lamine Kone and Chris Smalling from Manchester United.
West Brom are currently lacking options arguably right across the pitch, but the Birmingham Mail suggests that strengthening at the heart of the defence is a priority for Tony Pulis during the coming months.
Manchester United’s Chris Smalling is one of West Brom’s three top centre-back targets
The Birmingham Mail has reported that while the Baggies have maintained an interest in Andrea Ranocchia – who spent the latter half of last season on loan in the Premier League with Hull City – Pulis has three names on his list that he is much more interested in currently.
According to the Birmingham Mail, West Brom believe that they have a more realistic chance of landing either Smalling or Kone, with both players potentially being available for fees up to £15 million.
However, the Birmingham Mail adds that Boro stalwart Gibson is unlikely to arrive at the Hawthorns this summer with his asking price likely to be out of the Baggies’ range.
Though Gibson seems too ambitious a target financially, the other two names on Pulis’ list would arguably be more than capable of filling the void at the club.
Smalling has enjoyed plenty of success at Old Trafford, while Kone showed during his time working under Sam Allardyce at the Stadium of Light that he can be a very good centre-back at the highest level, and Pulis may be hoping that he can bring that out of him once again despite his hugely disappointing campaign last time out.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone
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