OPINION
West Brom look as though they have failed in their bid to sign Sheffield United goalkeeper Simon Moore – and that can be seen as a blessing in disguise for the Black Country club.
The Daily Mail. claimed via their live transfer blog last Thursday [09:54am] that the Baggies had tabled a bid for Moore, 28, as they hunted down the signing of a third goalkeeper option having already completed deals for Sam Johnstone and Jonathan Bond.
However now, Sheffield United have confirmed that Moore has signed a new contract at Bramall Lane, which effectively ends speculation linking him with a move to The Hawthorns this summer.
??? NEW CONTRACT | Goalkeeper Simon Moore has signed a new Blades contract ????? #twitterblades #ForgedAsOne #sufc pic.twitter.com/xHCaIA4CHI
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) July 26, 2018
The Blades have announced on their official website that the 6ft 3in (transfermarkt) colossus has signed a three-year deal with the club.
The Yorkshire side also confirm that bids were rejected for the goalkeeper, with West Brom more than likely the club that did so.
It will be back to the drawing board for the Baggies as they search for a third goalkeeper, but there is in fact a silver lining to them missing out on Moore.
Albion already have two senior shot-stoppers plus youngster Alex Palmer, and while they may want three senior options to choose from in the 2018/19 season, it really should not be a priority at this stage and loan deals can be completed up until the end of August to get someone in for that role.
This means that Darren Moore can focus more of his efforts on signing outfield players and cashing on players who are attracting a lot of attention.
It is inevitable that West Brom will need a new centre-forward at some point, while the need for a creative midfielder has been an issue in this side for several seasons.
It really is not a blow for Albion to miss out on Moore, but they must take advantage of the time and resources that are now freed up to sign other players.