West Bromwich Albion have more problems on their hands than just their league position this season as they could end up losing probably their most important player in Jonny Evans this month. The likes of Arsenal and Manchester City have constantly been linked with a move for the former Manchester United defender and reports now claim that West Brom are already looking at replacements if they end up selling him before the end of the month.
Bristol City Star On The Radar:
Bristol Post have reported that West Brom are interested in signing Bristol City defender Aden Flint, as a long-term replacement for the Irish defender. The story claims that the Baggies had officials keeping an eye on the 28-year old in their recent victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup.
He is valued at around £8m but is he the right man for the Baggies?
Flint And his Numbers:
Flint has been a part of the squad at Ashton Gate since 2013 and has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet, for more than a couple of years now. He has 113 Championship appearances, where he has 17 goals and 5 assists, a return which is extremely good for a defender.
A centre-back by trait, he has played 229 games in all competitions for the Robins and is one of the most experienced and consistent defenders in the Championship at the moment. Deceivingly strong and aggressive in his approach to the game, Flint is a beast in the air and gets stuck in the opposition attackers.
He is strong in hold up play and smart with his tackling but is adept at clearing any threat, keeping his goal away from danger. He does not try anything fancy but has shown his class against even the best of the strikers in the country, over the last few years.
He is also effective at the other end, in front of goal and has six goals and an assist in 22 league starts this season and is a player who fits into the style of play at the Hawthorns pretty easily.
Can He Replace Evans?
The 30-year old defender is currently the skipper of the West Brom side and has been the most consistent player for the club since the start of the previous season. Him attracting interests from top clubs in the country shows his quality and West Brom should do everything they can to keep him at the club.
However, if Evans decides to leave the struggling club, West Brom will not have too long to scout their desired targets and may not be able to land most of them, half-way through the season. This is what makes Flint an attractive option.
At 28, he is ready for first-team action, but the likes of Ahmed Hegazi, Craig Dawson and Gareth McAuley can all allow him to ease himself into the top flight.
Flint is at the peak of his game and will want to play for clubs in the top tier. West Brom will certainly need his expertise to have a shot at survival this season if they end up losing their skipper.
Stats Courtesy: Transfermarkt
