West Brom’s chances of landing the Argentine have taken a huge hit.
Swansea City defender Federico Fernandez initially appeared an odd target for West Brom, according to The Sun. A player in-and-out of arguably the leakiest backline in the top flight prior to Paul Clement’s arrival, his largely unconvincing displays are at odds with Tony Pulis’ demands for organisation and reliability.
However, as reported by the BBC, any hopes The Baggies may have had of renewing their interest are likely to come to nothing with the Argentine admitting that he is on the verge of extending his contract at the Liberty Stadium.
The 27-year-old arrived in South Wales from Napoli in the summer of 2014 but, in the two-and-a-half seasons since, has yet to truly assure fans that he warrants a regular place in a Premier League defence.
Earlier in the season, Fernandez fell behind Jordi Amat and the equally erratic Mike Van Der Hoorn until Clement returned him to the starting XI alongside the improving Alfie Mawson.
Report explains why target snubbed West Brom; did Tony Pulis even need him?
The BBC also report Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins admitting that the club received offers for Fernandez, as well team-mates Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fernando Llorente, in January though decided to reject all proposals in preparation for a relegation battle.
Nonetheless, Fernandez is still yet to prove that he has the consistency required to step up and play regularly for West Brom, a side with a top half finish on their minds.
Reports suggest that The Baggies also missed out on a mid-season move for Jose Fonte.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
