West Brom have made an approach to sign Liverpool attacker Ben Woodburn in a bid to ease their pain over losing Harvey Barnes, according to the Daily Mirror.
The national newspaper’s live transfer blog (Saturday, 5.48am) claim that Championship outfit contacted the Premier League leaders over signing the Wales international “as they discovered freescoring Barnes was being recalled by Leicester City”.
The Mirror report Woodburn is the subject of interest from a number of other second-tier clubs, including Wigan Athletic.
Good move for West Brom?
It could be a brilliant deal for the Baggies. Woodburn has returned to Liverpool after spending the first half of the season on loan at Sheffield United, where he was left a frustrated fringe figure as he struggled for game time. The 19-year-old might not have made an impact at Bramall Lane but he is quick, direct and has a real eye for goal. Like Barnes, he operates predominantly in a wide attacking role, preferring to cut in from the left flank on to his favoured right foot. Woodburn is likely to be highly motivated after his United hell and the Baggies could be the beneficiaries of a player with a point to prove if they can agree a deal.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
There is a very good chance, although Liverpool insist on penalty costs if their loaned-out players do not get much match action. West Brom are likely to accept as they need another wide attacker, and have the funds to pay the wages of the rising star for the rest of the season.
This Is Futbol rating 5/10