The striker has been linked with a loan switch to Baggies in recent days.
West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis
Tony Pulis has been discussing West Bromwich Albion’s pursuit of Southampton striker this week, in comments appearing in the Express and Star, and he appeared to admit that the club were interested in the England cap, even if a deal had some way to go.
The Baggies boss has found recruitment hard this summer, especially in problem positions left back and up front, but Pulis finally seems to be edging closer towards getting some players in, after securing Everton defender Brendan Galloway on loan and then admitting to interest in the Southampton forward when questioned about whether a deal for the player would go through.
“I’m not sure, I think we’ll have to wait and see,” Pulis responded when asked about West Brom’s chances of signing the Saints star, as quoted in the Express and Star.
“Until it’s done, you never know. We’ve not had Jay in the club to look at so we don’t know.”
Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez in action with Manchester City’s Samir Nasri
West Brom supporters should be excited about the prospect of bringing Rodriguez to the club, with the 27-year-old proving himself one of the best forwards in England until he cruelly suffered a serious knee injury that ruled him out for the World Cup in Brazil and over a year of football.
Pulis’ apprehension in relation to the deal seems to hinge on getting Rodriguez in for a medical, almost certainly in relation to the long term effects of that injury, but his choice of words indicates that bringing the player in is on the club’s agenda.
The former Burnley man has been unable to get the necessary football under his belt at Southampton to return to his earlier level of form, and at the Hawthorns he would have a better shot of minutes and also get the chance to link up with his former St Mary’s teammate Rickie Lambert, without the Baggies risking a large transfer fee.
Red Bull Salzburg’s Naby Keita and Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez in action
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