Spending over £12m on Jay Rodriguez over the summer, West Brom were trying to add depth to their attack, and that’s exactly what they did, but the desired goalscoring output they thought would come with the England international has yet to materialise.
The fact the 28-year-old is their top scorer in the league with two goals in 11 appearances highlights the problems the Baggies have had in front of goal this season, which appears to have forced them to look around Europe for someone capable of being a permanent fix.
According to Marca, that man is Cédric Bakambu, with Newcastle United also said to be interested in the 26-year-old Villarreal forward.
Down their end, Newcastle have also struggled with their strikers, as summer signing Joselu leads their league top scorer table with two in 10 appearances, explaining why they have also turned to the DR Congo international for January.
Unfortunately for both sides, Villarreal seem very reluctant to let their prolific goalscorer go midway through the season, demanding clubs to match his release clause in order to force their hand, which would cost them more than €30m.
Furthermore, the La Liga side are currently fifth in the league, just three points off a Champions League spot, while neither Newcastle nor West Brom are anywhere near that in Premier League, sitting 11th and 16th respectively.
Why would Bakambu make that trade midway through the season?
If Rafa Benitez and Tony Pulis really are keen on the striker, they’ll most likely have to wait until the summer to get him, when they’ll also be in a better position to make him an offer he can’t refuse.
