West Bromwich Albion reportedly had their eye on James McArthur during the January transfer window.
Darren Moore’s spell in caretaker charge of West Brom may have seen the Baggies earn some credit and some brilliant results, but it seems highly unlikely that it will do much for their chances of staying in the Premier League.
West Brom are eight points safety with only nine to play for, and Swansea City – the team immediately above the drop zone – have a game in hand also. It appears that a season in the Championship remains on the cards, despite the four points taken from their games against Manchester United and Liverpool.
Relegation often tends to lead to a mass clear-out and the Baggies should brace themselves for a number of players moving on by eyeing potential replacements ahead of their drop down into the second tier.
One player that they should perhaps look at is Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur, who, according to the Daily Mail, is set to be out of contract at the end of the season.
The Daily Mirror reported in January that Alan Pardew wanted to bring the 30-year-old to The Hawthorns during the previous window. But while they may have missed out on that occasion, the Baggies should certainly have another look at the Scotland international when he is available on a free transfer in the summer.
He may not be particularly keen to drop down into the second tier if he has any offers from the top flight, but West Brom should still try their luck as he could be the kind of player that could make a huge impact in the Championship and boost the club’s chances of bouncing straight back up considerably.
After a season which has seen all of the central midfielders struggle at various stages, the Baggies undoubtedly need to make big changes in the middle of the park in the summer. Going after McArthur once again may be an ideal way for the club to add quality without damaging their transfer budget at all.
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