"irreplaceable" claim made as Ipswich Town and Southampton plot West Brom transfer | OneFootball

FLW's West Brom fan pundit has had his say on the future of Josh Maja amid Premier League and La Liga interest.

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...

After a difficult first season at the Hawthorns, Josh Maja has really come into his own this season and has developed a reputation as one of the deadliest finishers in the Championship for West Brom.

His prolific form in the Championship has not gone unnoticed by clubs elsewhere, and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he was to attract interest to the point of an exit from West Brom in January if a suitable offer is made.

In early November, it was reported by Spanish outlet Super Deporte that La Liga side Celta Vigo were eyeing up a move for the Nigerian international Maja, as they search for more firepower in a bid to remain in La Liga come the end of this campaign.

From the same report, Albion owner Shilen Patel and the club are only willing to listen to offers upwards of €20 million (£17m), with the Spanish newspaper believing Celta Vigo are confident they can pay.

As per the latest reports from Spain, Ipswich Town are set to enter a transfer tussle with both Southampton and AFC Bournemouth for the services of Maja, although a fee of closer to £10 million has since been mooted.

The West Brom verdict on Josh Maja amid Premier League interest

Football League World has asked our West Brom fan pundit Callum Burgess for his verdict on the latest links to Maja, and whether they should be considering selling at that £10 million price point.

He said: "Personally, I think Josh Maja is on the list of players that should be considered irreplaceable for what they bring to this West Brom team.

"Of course, over the weekend, he got his first goal in nine matches. But you still wouldn't be complaining at his performances on the pitch in that time.

"He hadn't scored for a bit and shown his clinical ability in front of goal, but it's also what he brings outside of his goals.

"His link-up play is probably the best out of all the strikers in the Championship, and while a team is looking for a striker in this division, you're not going to get someone with the ability Maja has, I believe.

"You might be able to find someone with his goals elsewhere, even though he is the second-top scorer in the division, you're also not going to be able to replace what he does bring to the team.

"I think, if he did go, he'd be a really big miss. Personally, I'd be rejecting any offers that come in for Maja in the meantime.

"While he does have just 18 months left on his contract, I'd be trying to tie him down as soon as possible."

With the Baggies still facing financial implications from Guochuan Lai’s tenure, January will be a stick or twist time regarding Maja, and such a healthy profit will be tempting to take as the club navigates its way through a challenging period.

He joined the Baggies last summer and had a less than convincing first season at the Hawthorns after he scored just once in 12 appearances, but he has started the new campaign like a man possessed for the most part.

The 26-year-old was seen as the next big thing after breaking onto the scene with Sunderland, but spells with the likes of Stoke City and Fulham proved less fruitful, and there were question marks over whether Maja would fulfill his potential.

After being around for a while, it's easy to forget that Maja only recently turned 26, and he'd still be a very attractive option for clubs looking to add a proven goalscorer to their ranks.

This season, he has kicked on massively. Maja has given the Baggies a real focal point up front, and he's become hugely important to the side, so losing him in January would be a huge blow for any amount of money, albeit every player has a price.