West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a potential blow in their bid to bring Liam Delap to The Hawthorns this summer.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a claim made by Kris Temple, who revealed in a post on Twitter that Bournemouth are actively pursuing a deal for the Manchester City forward, who could be available on a season-long loan deal.
Previous reports had claimed that West Brom were also in the running for the 18-year-old striker, however, there appears to have been little to no movement regarding a deal for the England U19 international in recent days, suggesting that the Cherries may well be leading the race for the starlet’s signature.
Fans should be worried
With Ismael recently revealing that he is still searching for signings in the summer transfer window, although also claiming that he will not be rushed into completing any deals, there would appear to be a very real danger of the Frenchman missing out on the signing of the Manchester City youngster this summer, unless he pulls his finger out rather quickly.
Indeed, with Kenneth Zohore being Albion’s only real option as a classic number nine – a player who spent last season out on loan – it would appear as if Ismael is indeed in need of greater depth up front if he is to have any hope of securing an immediate return to the top flight with West Brom this season.
Would Delap be a good signing for Albion?
Yes
No
And, considering the sheer amount of potential the 24-goal Premier League 2 Player of the Season appears to possess, with football scout Jacek Kulig dubbing Delap a “phenomenal” talent, it would seem as if the £5k-per-week 18-year-old’s signing would be a very smart piece of business for Ismael to get done this summer.
However, with Scott Parker’s Bournemouth side clearly also being extremely interested in a deal for the youngster, and with the Baggies manager appearing rather lackadaisical about getting his transfer business done, The Hawthorns faithful would be well within their rights to be worried about their club missing out on Delap’s signing this summer.
In other news: Lost possession 24x: £1.8m-rated West Brom lightweight badly let Ismael down vs Luton