Sam Allardyce is keen to reunite with Everton’s Cenk Tosun but a new defender is West Bromwich Albion’s top January priority, as reported by Sky Sports.
Given that ‘Big Sam’ prides himself on a reliable, take-no-prisoners approach to defending, the way West Brom capitulated against Leeds and Arsenal will have shaken the new Baggies boss to his core.
After denying Liverpool at Anfield with the most Allardycian of defensive efforts, West Brom have conceded nine goals in their last two matches, falling six points adrift of safety as a result.
While there are problems to solve at the other end, with only Sheffield United and Burnley scoring fewer than their 11 goals, Sky claims that Allardyce’s top January priority revolves around the backline.
West Brom have been linked with a loan move for West Ham United’s Issa Diop, while Allardyce’s former Crystal Palace stalwart Mamadou Sakho is another target (Sun, 3 January, page 57).
The early signs suggest the veteran tactician would prefer a centre-half with Premier League experience on their CV.
After all, the January window does not allow much time for adaptation, so players who can hit the ground running should be prioritised.
Centre-forward Tosun, meanwhile, would surely welcome the chance to reunite with the 66-year-old ex-Everton boss at The Hawthorns.
Allardyce paid £27 million to bring the Turkey international to Goodison Park three years ago, but Tosun cannot buy a start under Carlo Ancelotti these days.
In theory, the former Besiktas ace would give West Brom a much-needed outlet in the final third.
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