OPINION
West Brom are reportedly set to sign Jefferson Montero on loan from Swansea, and it could be an absolute blinder of a transfer if Darren Moore is also able to sign another left-winger as well as him.
According to Express & Star journalist Matt Wilson, the 29-year-old Ecuador international is heading to The Hawthorns on a temporary basis but it has been suggested that he might not be the only signing that Moore makes on deadline day.
Jefferson Montero is set to join #wba on loan from #Swansea today. Hopefully just the first. More at @ExpressandStar soon
— Matt Wilson (@mattianwilson) January 31, 2019
West Brom have also been widely-linked with Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy with Telegraph journalist John Percy reporting that the ex-Norwich player is also Hawthorns-bound on a loan deal until the end of the campaign.
West Brom are poised to complete the signing of #nufc winger Jacob Murphy before Thursday's deadline. Straight loan to end of season, no permanent option to buy at this stage #wba
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) January 30, 2019
Albion have seen two left-wingers leave the club this month when Harvey Barnes was recalled by Leicester and when Bakary Sako was re-signed by Crystal Palace, so there are two spots that need filling before the 11pm deadline on Thursday.
Murphy would obviously be a very solid signing for the Baggies, but Montero has struggled for game-time at Swansea this season and some Albion fans might be worried by the fact that he has not started a single game in the Championship having earned all 12 of his appearances off the bench.
However there is a reason that the former Villarreal winger has not started this term, and that’s because he makes a major impact on games when he is used as a late substitute.
On Tuesday night, some Swansea fans hailed the impact that Montero made when Graham Potter introduced him to the action in the 56th minute.
https://twitter.com/swanabi/status/1090563817388556289
Montero made a huge impact tonight we need more of that from him
— Welshman Hughes (@swanspassion) January 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/Ashley_SCFC/status/1090357609515937794
Points a point at the end of the day. Montero the game changer again its just a shame he can't last 90 minutes #Swans
— Liam ???????? (@LiamaThomas21) January 29, 2019
It is quite clear that Montero could be a superb addition for West Brom – but only if Murphy is signed as well.
The Ecuadorian may have stole the hearts of Swansea fans for his display off the bench on Tuesday night, but the chances of him being able to put in a similar shift when starting games are slim.
West Brom fans are no doubt anxious about whether or not the club can produce the goods on deadline day after some relatively bad experiences in the past.
However a double swoop for Montero and Murphy could be a masterstroke by Moore and Luke Dowling.