Transfer Speculation
The Sun has reported that West Bromwich Albion have identified Fulham skipper, Tom Cairney, as one of their transfer targets. Apart from the Baggies, West Ham United are also understood to be keen to prise him out of the Craven Cottage this month and are willing to fork out £15million to secure his services. This implies that there might be a tug-of-war between these two clubs.
The Scenario
West Bromwich Albion must have been encouraged by the productivity in their last two league games but there is still a lot to be done. They are currently placed at the 19th spot in the league standings with 20 points to their name after 24 encounters and it goes without saying that the axe of relegation is hovering over them. They really need to strengthen their squad before the transfer window shuts down.
Fact File
Cairney, one of the targets of the Baggies, spent his formative years in the youth setups of Leeds United and Hull City. He started his senior career with the Tigers and after a loan spell with Blackburn Rovers, he signed for them permanently before moving to the ranks of Fulham. He received his first call-up from the Scotland national team last year and has one appearance to his name for his national side.
Attributes
The 27-year-old is a dynamic footballer who engineers the attacking endeavours of his side from the middle of the park. He orchestrates the team together with his commendable vision and scrumptious passing range and is good at holding the ball at his feet. He gallops forward time and again looking to find the back of the net or create chances for his teammates.
Cairney can be the engine room for his side because of the work-rate he showcases and he has been good at barking orders to his teammates as the captain of the Cottagers. He is one of the prized assets in the books of Slavisa Jokanovic and the London based outfit are expected to be reluctant to strike him off their books unless a really convincing bid comes to their table.
Why Albion Need Him?
Alan Pardew needs to build the team around a quality player and Cairney could meet the needs of West Bromwich Albion. The Scottish international is disciplined, hardworking and is a proven commodity and Pardew must have special plans for him up his sleeves. Given that he has garnered an adequate amount of experience in English football, he would be a dazzling signing for the Throstles.
