Promotion up to the Premier League will surely be Ryan Mason’s main, intimidating task when he shortly steps into the West Bromwich Albion dug-out.
After all, Regis Le Bris managed to guide Sunderland up to the promised land during his debut campaign at the Sunderland helm, meaning the 33-year-old will be hoping that the good luck that rubbed off on the Frenchman comes his way too.
He would love to use his Tottenham Hotspur connections to feel more comfortable in his new surroundings. Indeed, rumours continue to swirl that Mason could soon add North London starlet Mikey Moore to his ranks on loan this summer.
West Brom's ongoing pursuit of Moore
Of course, adding Moore to the camp would be an exciting purchase to kick off Mason’s new regime.
The 17-year-old Spurs attacking prodigy will surely be champing at the bit to test himself out on loan away from his boyhood employers, considering a bumper 36 goals and assists combined have now come his way in the U18 and U21 ranks.
He even broke his senior duck last season when galloping forward in the Europa League up against Elfsborg, with the challenges of the Championship now his potential next onward destination to strut his stuff even more.
However, it could be argued that the Baggies aren’t in desperate need of reinforcements down either the left or right wing – which is where Moore predominantly operates – with both Tom Fellows and Mikey Johnston top-drawer options on these flanks already. Between them, the entertaining duo can boast 41 goal contributions and counting in the second tier.
Therefore, adding in the teenage sensation might not be deemed the most urgent priority, irrespective of Moore’s familiarity with Mason.
On the other hand, swooping in for some centre-back reinforcements will be judged as a must, with this new, defensive colossus potentially West Brom’s chosen target.
The defender who could be a better signing than Moore
West Brom’s transfer activity this time around is already playing out like their business from last summer, with centre-back brute Semi Ajayi allowed to leave the Hawthorns for nothing, much like Cedric Kipre before him.
With Mason Holgate also only on the Baggies’ books on loan, that leaves the potential promotion chasers light on numbers in this department, which is where Liverpool titan Nathaniel Phillips, who has been linked with a move to the club, could come to the rescue.
Whilst Phillips has impressed infrequently for the Reds – as seen in his impressive tally of seven clean sheets from 17 Premier League clashes – it’s his expertise of the Championship when chucked out on loan away from Anfield that will instantly stick out for Mason and Co, with this headed effort last campaign for Derby County just one key contribution he managed during his memorable loan stint.
In total, the one-time Premier League title winner has now amassed 67 appearances at the daunting level, with his tag as a “monster”, as he was once labelled by Jurgen Klopp, clear for all to see last season when bravely battling away for the relegation-threatened Rams.
Indeed, the £45k-per-week powerhouse would end his sterling season with six duels won on average across his 32 Championship clashes. To add context, the departing Ajayi would only win 3.3 himself across the same period.
Therefore, adding in the “intelligent” Phillips – as Klopp also glowingly described him – could really enhance Mason’s defensive options as he goes about building a promotion-worthy team.
Whereas, when it comes to the promising Moore, there’s no guarantee he would instantly upset the apple cart at the Hawthorns on his arrival and push into the first team mix, which is why Phillips would be an even better signing.
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