‘Massive’ – West Brom told to accelerate bold transfer raid to sign veteran ‘leader’ over Championship rivals
West Brom boss Ryan Mason will be looking to put his own stamp on his newly inherited squad. The Baggies have turned to him as their permanent replacement for Tony Mowbray. He has put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal in the Midlands as he prepares to sink his teeth into his first managerial role in the game.
Mason, who spent his playing days at Tottenham Hotspur and Hull City, was forced to retire back in 2016. He has made Nat Phillips his first signing from Liverpool after his loan at Derby County. More additions are expected this summer at The Hawthorns.
West Brom urged to sign Sheffield Wednesday skipper Barry Bannan
West Brom have been linked with a move for Sheffield Wednesday skipper Barry Bannan. According to reporter Fraser Fletcher on X, they are admirers of the veteran. Stoke City and Wrexham have also been credited with an interest.
Sky Sports’ Don Goodman believes Bannan would be a shrewd coup by the Baggies. He has delivered his verdict, as per a report by Football League World: “It is widely acknowledged that Barry Bannan’s preference would be for everything at Sheffield Wednesday to be sorted out and for him to continue there. But there are an awful lot of issues at Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, from not knowing who the manager’s going to be, to transfer embargoes, to ownership trying to sell the club, but maybe not going about it in a very successful way.
“Everything’s up in the air there. So that may mean that Barry Bannan might have to move on. And if he does, then West Brom, I think he would be a massive benefit [to them]. Not only is he a quality player at Championship level, and I know he’s 35, but the way he plays the game means that that’s not really an issue at this moment. But his leadership qualities, his range of passing are everything that would be of benefit to a team like West Brom.”
Would Sheffield Wednesday’s Barry Bannan suit West Brom?
Bannan would give West Brom more competition and depth in midfield if they got him. He would also inject valuable experience into their squad. The Scotsman’s contract at Sheffield Wednesday is due to expire and it remains to be seen at this stage whether he will be staying put at Hillsborough or leaving as a free agent.
The 35-year-old has been with the Owls since 2015 and has been a key player for them over the last decade. He has been a great servant to the South Yorkshire club but his future is up in the air at this stage. The ex-Scotland international, who made 27 caps for his country, has made 447 appearances in all competitions and has scored 35 goals, four of which came last term.
Bannan dropped down the border to England in 2004 as a youngster to join Aston Villa from Celtic. He went on to play 83 matches during his days at Villa Park. The Airdrie-born man was loaned out to Derby County, Blackpool and Leeds United before leaving permanently for Crystal Palace.
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