SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Duncan Watmore of Middlesbrough in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough at Hillsborough Stadium on December 29, 2020 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
According to Sky Sports (h/t Chronicle Live), West Brom have been credited with an interest in Middlesbrough forward Duncan Watmore heading into the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old joined Middlesbrough on a short-term deal until January back in November, having been released by Sunderland at the end of last season. Watmore has made a positive impact at the Riverside Stadium, registering 5 goals and an assist in just 8 appearances in the Championship so far this season.
As per the report, Boro boss Neil Warnock remains hopeful of tying the player down to a long-term deal. But it is believed that Watmore could be tempted by the prospect of making a return to the Premier League. Burnley are also understood to be in the race to snap him up on a free transfer next month.
New Baggies manager Sam Allardyce worked with Watmore during his spell at Sunderland and is eyeing up a reunion with the former England U-21. The versatile forward made 37 top-flight appearances after joining the Black Cats in 2013 but was restricted to a bit-part role following the club’s relegation to the Championship and League One due to a series of injuries.
Watmore, though, is fit and running once again after a bright start to life at Middlesbrough. He bagged a brace in the 2-0 win over Swansea City at the start of December before following it up with yet another double as Warnock’s side thrashed Millwall 3-0. The 26-year-old was once again on target in Boro’s last game of 2020 which ended in a 2-1 loss against Sheffield Wednesday.
Meanwhile, West Brom currently find themselves locked in a relegation dogfight following a torrid start to life back in the top-flight. The Baggies sit 19th in the standings with just 8 points accumulated from 17 games, having registered only a solitary win in the PL. With just 11 goals scored so far, it should be an absolute no-brainer for Allardyce to seek reinforcements in the winter market.
West Brom splashed the cash to bring in Karlan Grant from Huddersfield Town before the domestic deadline. However, the striker has failed to make a big impact at The Hawthorns with just 1 goal in 12 appearances. Wide operators Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira have also faded away after a bright start to the campaign.
Putting things into perspective, West Brom offering Duncan Watmore a route back to the Premier League would be a sensible decision. The Baggies don’t really have the financial muscle to buy their way out of trouble. The 26-year-old’s imminent availability on a free transfer next month should, therefore, make him an appealing target for the Midlands outfit.
Watmore isn’t really an out-and-out centre-forward by trade but is more than capable of operating up top. That, coupled with his versatility to operate on either flank and as a supporting striker, should hand a real boost to West Brom’s dynamics. It’s hard to say whether he would be a genuine upgrade on their current attacking options but his exploits at Middlesbrough certainly make him worth a punt for the cash-strapped Baggies.
West Brom are in dire need of some transfer spark in January to help them in their fight against relegation. Duncan Watmore has Premier League experience under his belt and he can be a real asset to the Baggies if he manages to replicate his form in the top-flight.