West Bromwich Albion have been linked with a move for Chelsea defender John Terry, but there are surely better options out there for the Baggies.
West Brom manager Tony Pulis
According to the Daily Mirror, West Brom will look to reignite their interest in Chelsea skipper John Terry after he announced his plans to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, but there are surely better targets for the Baggies to pursue this summer.
Terry has been one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs, but there is no question that a deal is likely to be a gamble given his age, recent struggles with injury and general lack of game-time for Antonio Conte’s men.
And given his stature, it would hardly be a surprise if Terry signing saw a large chunk of West Brom’s wage budget being used on the former England captain.
Therefore, it may make more sense for Pulis to consider taking a different type of gamble as he looks to build a squad capable of keeping the Baggies in the top-half of the table for many years to come.
Chelsea’s John Terry
When Matt Phillips signed from QPR for £5.5 million last summer (via Sky Sports), few would have expected the winger to turn out to be one of the signings of the season across the entire division given that he boasted only a small amount of Premier League experience, instead predominantly making his name in the Championship.
One player who seems to have a similar situation is Swansea City-owned Leeds loanee Kyle Bartley. Despite struggling for that chance at the highest level, he has arguably been one of the best defenders in the second tier this term, helping Garry Monk’s men challenge for a play-off spot.
Leeds’ Kyle Bartley
That form has not gone unnoticed by a trio of top flight clubs, with The Sun suggesting that Burnley, Bournemouth and Stoke are all keen on the defender, while Leeds will make a move if they are promoted.
West Brom’s current position in the table would mean that if they enter the running, they would surely be incredibly difficult to turn down for one of the other options.
And while Terry will certainly seem like the safer bet, taking a gamble on Bartley may prove as astute a piece of business as the decision to sign Phillips last summer.
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