Tony Pulis has funds to spend and yet is finding it difficult to bring in an experienced centre-half. Could Swansea City’s Alfie Mawson be the answer?
West Bromwich Albion are going nowhere fast in their pursuit of Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson, having seen their latest bid for the centre-half sent back with a clear message that Middlesbrough will only sell the player to a top six club, reports the Daily Mail.
Three failed bids for Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson – the last £21 million – is going to have frustrated Tony Pulis and could perhaps see him scouring the leagues for an alternative.
Swansea City’s Alfie Mawson celebrates after the match
West Bromwich Albion have made it clear that they intend to refresh their squad with new faces, but have only attracted Jay Rodriguez and Zhang Yuning at present, reports SkySports.
Pulis’ targets might need some revision. If a centre-back is his main aim, he would be wise to look at Alfie Mawson at Swansea City. Mawson, 23, had a bright first season for Swansea City. He started and played 27 games, while making 169 clearances.
Swansea City needed a player that could replace Ashley Williams and Mawson rose to the challenge.
Mawson has been polite in underplaying any link of speculation that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing him, according to the BBC.
Mawson responded to Tottenham’s interest saying: “It’s all speculation. It’s nice to hear, but I’m a Swansea player and I’m more than happy here.”
Tony Pulis on the sidelines for Leicester City vs West Bromwich Albion – Premier League Asia Trophy
A move to West Bromwich Albion might be less glamorous, but it suggests a more gradual progression for Mawson and Mawson would be more likely to get as much playing time under Tony Pulis as he would at Swansea City.
However, West Bromwich Albion are building from a stronger position than Swansea, and Paul Clement still has a big job to do at the Welsh club to make them a safer Premier League club.
Whether he is determined to keep Mawson a part of that plan could end up leading the Baggies into another transfer saga.
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