New West Brom transfer deal may cause Spurs U-Turn | OneFootball

West Brom had been linked with a Tottenham Hotspur youngster, but their signing of Aune Heggebo may throw doubt on the deal

West Bromwich Albion’s recent acquisition of Aune Heggebo from SK Brann could throw a spanner in the works for one of their other targets.

The club announced the signing of the Norwegian striker earlier this week, adding another no.9 to an already packed attacking department at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies had also been credited with an interest in bringing Spurs striker Will Lankshear back to the club, having spent half a season with the club on loan last term.

Now, however, with the arrival of Heggebo, questions may arise about how many strikers the squad can hold.

Heggebo signing fills up an already bulging striker department

Heggebo looks an exciting signing, having racked up goals in Eliteserien with SK Brann, and is still only 23 years old, and he’s clearly a player that West Brom have plenty of faith in, given the five-year contract he’s been handed.

A reliable goalscorer has been lacked at the Hawthorns, with Josh Maja the club’s top scorer in the league last season. But many of his goals were concentrated in the first few weeks of the season, suggesting he’s more streaky than consistent, a theory not yet totally proved on account of a calf injury that ruled him out for the second half of the season.

Heggebo will need to battle Maja for minutes, but that’s not all, as the likes of Karlan Grant, Daryl Dike and Devante Cole will all be vying for minutes in the same position, presuming they all remain at the club beyond this summer.

It certainly gives Ryan Mason plenty to think about in terms of selection, a problem that would only be worsened by adding another striker into the mix.

Although Lankshear didn’t manage to net a goal in his 11 Championship outings for West Brom last season, it’s clear the hierarchy saw something in the player during his time at the Hawthorns.

Sources informed football.london that the Baggies want Lankshear back again next season, in what would almost certainly be another loan.

They are, however, not alone in that desire, with other Championship sides and clubs abroad thought to be in the mix.

At current count, minutes for a young striker like Lankshear looks difficult with the experience and talent at West Brom’s disposal in that area.

West Brom could be the ideal move for Lankshear in some ways

West Brom manager Mason was, of course, synonymous with the Spurs setup having spent over seven years there in various coaching and management roles, including with the academy that Lankshear is still currently part of.

Mason will therefore be well aware of Lankshear’s talent, already know a great deal about him and have a good idea of what he’s capable of and how to get the most out of him.

Lankshear would also feel relaxed, entering a dressing with a familiar face in Mason running things.

Tough competition may also not be the worst thing for Lankshear, getting him up to speed with what’s required to be a full-time professional at that level, while avoiding piling too much pressure on the youngster with plenty of experienced pros to rely on for goals.

Nevertheless, the striker count at the Hawthorns still feels slightly too excessive to add Lankshear into the mix.