West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in Bournemouth defender Steve Cook, but should they be focusing on strengthening different positions first?
West Brom manager Tony Pulis
Despite the usual moans and groans about the Tony Pulis style of football, West Bromwich Albion have defied expectations this season, and are currently 8th in the table, behind Everton and Manchester United.
Despite spending significantly less money than the teams around them, Pulis has turned West Bromwich Albion into a tight, hard to beat unit, and with arguably one of the best defences in the divison.
Considering just how good West Brom’s defence has been, reports of a move for Bournemouth defender Steve Cook are a little surprising. West Brom duo Gareth McAuley and Johnny Evans have been tremendous this season, with the former currently the Baggies joint second leading goalscorer.
However, with the centre-half now 37-years-old, West Brom may well be looking to future, identifying Bournemouth defender Steve Cook as a natural successor, the Daily Mail reports.
The report suggests that England manager Gareth Southgate has also been monitoring the Bournemouth defender, with a view to an England call up.
Bournemouth’s Steve Cook
But should the Baggies first look to strengthen in other areas? One pressing one appears to be the forward areas. Despite Salomon Rondon’s impressive start to the season, the Venezuelan striker’s form has significantly dipped. The departure of Saido Berahino also leaves West Brom short of back-up, with the club relying on forwards such as Hal Robson-Kanu.
Perhaps the answer to West Bromwich Albion’s more pressing area to target could also be found at Bournemouth, though. Towards the end of January, The Sun reported that Tony Pulis was targeting Cherries striker Callum Wilson, and was ready to smash the club’s transfer record fee to sign the young forward.
Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson
Might a forward like Wilson be more of an important target for West Bromwich Albion? Only time will tell. However, one thing is for sure: if Tony Pulis manages to keep West Brom pushing for a European spot, the club will become a more and more attractive proposition for the Premier League’s top players.
West Brom manager Tony Pulis before the match
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