OPINION
Many West Brom fans will surely be thrilled to see that Darren Moore is likely to make at least two more signings before the January transfer window slams shut at 11pm on Thursday.
BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone claimed via his personal Twitter account on Wednesday that Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy has been made a “priority target” for the Baggies as they aim to bolster their attack by signing the ex-Norwich ace on loan before the cut-off.
It is also understood that the 23-year-old is unlikely to be the only addition before the deadline – which is mouthwatering news for Albion fans desperate to see the club strengthen.
Jacob Murphy on loan from @NUFC looks like it will be priority target achieved but almost certainly won't be @WBA only new arrival before tomorrow night.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) January 30, 2019
Albion have been linked with many players over the last few weeks, especially since Harvey Barnes was recalled by Leicester after setting the Championship alight with some of his performances at The Hawthorns, and Murphy would certainly be a solid replacement.
The ex-England Under-21 international wowed in the Championship for Norwich before being signed by Newcastle in 2017 and he has shown in flashes that he can perform in the Premier League as well.
However those flashes have been too few and far between and it is clear that he is someone who will thrive in the Championship if given the chance to play regularly for a top-end team in the second-tier.
As it stands, West Brom are fourth in the Championship, four points off the automatic promotion spots with a game in hand.
Moore is going to need all the help he can get to secure an instant return to the Premier League for West Brom, and that’s why it is important that Murphy is unlikely to be the only signing at The Hawthorns over the next 24 hours.
It wouldn’t hurt the Baggies to bolster their central midfield options and add more creativity to the side.
Wes Hoolahan’s contract expires at the end of the month and with Matt Phillips currently injured, West Brom could struggle to carve open defences, especially against teams who will sit back against them.
If Moore can sign a midfield creator that would be another top piece of last-minute business by him.
Albion do seem to be getting liked with defensive midfielders as well though.
Gareth Barry has impressed this term, but that has not stopped Stefan Johansen from being linked with a move to the Black Country.
The Mirror claimed via their live transfer blog on Saturday that West Brom had been in contact with Fulham about the Norway midfielder, who played a key role in the London club winning promotion last season.
Murphy, Johansen and a creative force could be a superb last triple swoop for the Baggies.
If Moore fails to sign players in these key positions then Albion’s chances of bouncing back could be over by February 1.