West Brom’s stance on temporary exit for defender becomes clearer amid Wigan link | OneFootball

West Bromwich Albion could facilitate a loan move for Martin Kelly before the transfer window shuts, according to a report from The Athletic.

It is understood that Kelly may be allowed to leave The Hawthorns due to the fact that he is currently below Semi Ajayi, Dara O’Shea, Eric Pieters and Kyle Bartley in the pecking order.

Kelly was signed during the previous transfer window by former West Brom manager Steve Bruce.

Bruce utilised Kelly on four occasions before being sacked by the Baggies following a poor run of form.

The defender has only featured once in the Championship since the club’s decision to hand over the reins to Carlos Corberan.

After participating in both of West Brom’s clashes with Chesterfield in the FA Cup earlier this month, Kelly was a notable absentee from the club’s squad for their showdown with Bristol City in this particular competition.

West Brom went on to suffer a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Robins at Ashton Gate.

Kelly was recently linked with a move to Wigan Athletic.

A Patreon report from Alan Nixon has suggested that Latics boss Shaun Maloney is keen to bolster his squad by signing Kelly on a temporary basis from the Baggies.

Maloney was drafted in as a replacement for Kolo Toure who failed to transform Wigan’s fortunes in the Championship during his brief spell in charge of the club.

The Verdict

It would not be at all surprising if Kelly ends up sealing a move to Wigan or another Football League side before the end of the transfer window as he is surplus to requirements at West Brom.

Having failed to establish himself as a key member of the Baggies’ squad in recent months, the 32-year-old will be determined to feature regularly elsewhere between now and the end of the campaign.

Capable of playing as a centre-back and as a full-back, Kelly would certainly add some versatility to Wigan’s squad if they are able to convince him to make the switch to the DW Stadium.

As for West Brom, they may not necessarily miss Kelly if their defenders continue to deliver the goods on a consistent basis in the Championship.

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