West Bromwich Albion are eyeing a move for Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson this summer.
What’s the story?
That’s according to i News journalist Mark Douglas, who tweeted: “WBA one of clubs who want him [Anderson] for next season.”
Elliot Anderson is a @SkyBetLeagueTwo 'cheat code' – but he nearly didn't go out on loan. #BristolRovers & @Joey7Barton have managed him well & could yet go up. #WBA one of clubs who want him for next season (along w/ most of the Championship & #swfc) https://t.co/13YxPIEZDy
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) May 6, 2022
Labelled a “League Two cheat code” by Douglas after his loan spell at Bristol Rovers, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder is the subject of interest from a plethora of clubs in the Championship.
Bruce needs Anderson
Although the teenager is expected to be involved in pre-season training with the Magpies, another loan move seems very possible given the serious interest from a variety of suitors.
Anderson joined Joey Barton’s side on transfer deadline day in January and has since scored eight goals and registered five assists in 21 appearances for the Gas in the fourth tier, who secured an unlikely promotion back to League One yesterday after a 7-0 battering of Scunthorpe United.
In fact, the former Newcastle player has directed plenty of praise in the 19-year-old’s direction during his loan spell, claiming that the attacking midfielder “has been brilliant for us from the first day we brought him in.”
Prior to his move to the West Country, Anderson was on fire for Newcastle’s under-23s, scoring five goals in seven appearances in Premier League 2.
It’s that goal threat and creativity from the middle of the park which the Baggies have been lacking this season, with Steve Bruce’s men scoring just 52 goals in 46 matches this term, with only six other teams scoring less often in the Championship in 2021/22.
Alex Mowatt ended the season as the Baggies’ top-scoring midfielder with just four goals, whilst only one positional colleague found the net for Albion in loanee Jason Molumby, who scored once.
Granted, with no experience in the second tier, signing Anderson would a risk for the West Midlands outfit., although it would certainly seem like one worth taking.
Bruce will be tasked with orchestrating a promotion push next term, especially after this season’s thoroughly disappointing 10th-place finish, West Brom’s worst in more than 20 years.
Therefore, the 61-year-old needs to add some creativity and firepower to his squad, something that Anderson has certainly provided in abundance in League Two.
AND in other news: Forget Grant: West Brom’s 74-touch ace who “works so hard” stole the show vs Barnsley
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