“Look elsewhere” - West Brom urged to swerve move for in-form League One attacker | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

The upcoming summer promises to be an exciting one for West Brom irrespective of the division they will find themselves in, as they gear up for their first transfer window under new owner Shilen Patel.

West Brom’s summer transfer plans

With Carlos Corberan’s side currently sitting fifth in the table, there’s still a lot to play for, and Albion will hope they can return to the Premier League this season.

That uncertainty is far from ideal for the recruitment team, who will no doubt be drawing up two lists of potential targets depending on what division they’re in.

And, one player they are monitoring ahead of the window is Oxford United’s Josh Murphy.

The 29-year-old, who is the twin brother of Newcastle’s Jacob, has been outstanding for the U’s this season, particularly in the past few months, and he has scored six goals and registered four assists to help the team to a play-off place with a few games to go.

However, with his deal expiring in the summer, there are doubts about his future, and reports have claimed that Albion are among a host of clubs tracking Murphy.

As it stands, the Baggies are well stocked for options out wide, but that situation could change in the summer, with Mikey Johnston only on loan from Celtic.

So, if Albion can’t bring him back to The Hawthorns, they may be in the market for another wide man.

Josh Murphy’s potential arrival to West Brom could be seen as underwhelming

On paper, this would be a risky move for Albion, as Murphy hasn’t always convinced in the Championship over the years, whether that was with Norwich City, or more recently Cardiff City and Preston North End.

Furthermore, if he did come in for Johnston, he would have big boots to fill, as the Republic of Ireland international has scored seven goals in 15 appearances for West Brom, as well as impressing with his all-round game.

So, it’s a deal that would divide opinion, and Albion fan pundit Matt Smith revealed that he would want the club to move for other targets, as he also referenced the poor loan spell Jacob had at the club.

“I don’t think I would take him due to the previous scars we’ve got with having Jacob Murphy, even though he’s playing very, very well for Newcastle now, which is beyond me. But I’ve had enough of the Murphy’s to be honest!

“I’m not sure that we should be going down to League One for a Johnston replacement. We’ve got Matt Phillips returning from injury, Tom Fellows is pushing his way into the team, and other players.

“I probably wouldn’t be taking a gamble on a 29-year-old, who has shown his best form in recent years in League One as a replacement for Johnston. I’d rather us look elsewhere.”

The immediate concern for all connected to Albion is trying to win promotion, and whilst they’re in a commanding position, they still have work to do to secure a play-off place.

Corberan’s men are back in action this weekend when they make the trip to high-flying Leicester City.