West Bromwich Albion are in the hunt for Newcastle United centre-back Ciaran Clark, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper reports on its website that the Baggies are eyeing a January raid for the defender, and have identified him as a target who they will be able to afford with their budget.
West Brom have been interested in the £35,000-a-week [Spotrac] enforcer before, and the report states that Clark may be tempted by the move due to his lack of game time at St James’ Park.
Good move for Newcastle?
Yes, it would be a good move for United. Rafa Benitez already has his pick of preferred centre-backs – such as Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez – so he is unlikely to miss Clark if he does make a move.
Clark has only played ten games this season, and although he filled in a few times when Paul Dummett was injured, he has not made much of an impact on Newcastle’s season.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Seeming as the report says that Clark would fall within West Brom’s budget, a move is likely to happen in January at this rate.
The Republic of Ireland defender will no doubt seek regular game time elsewhere, and with Darren Moore interested, he will more than likely be tempted.
Cashing in on him would be beneficial to Newcastle too, so they may push for a move too – as gaining extra funds towards signing the players needed would be welcomed by Benitez.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10