Albion's*new manager Chris Hughton has turned his attention to midfield and strike force strengthening after recapturing Greg Halford.
An experienced central midfielder and a replacement for Darren Bent top Hughton’s wish list during the January transfer window, which opens today.
Albion exploited the short-term loan arrangement with Nottingham Forest for utility player Halford to re-engage him for today’s FA Cup third round tie at Brentford.
The deal will subsequently revert to the rest of the season, excluding Forest’s visit to the Amex on February 7.
Hughton is now concentrating on compensating for the departures of Aston Villa loan pair Gary Gardner and Bent, who has been borrowed by Derby County for the remainder of the season.
The former Norwich boss told The Argus: “They are areas that, of course, we are looking at. They are areas where we have lost two loan players.
“Darren Bent was very popular here and a big player.
“Gary Gardner was part of quite a young midfield in general so they are areas that we are looking at. What’s more important is that we have to make the right decisions on players.”
Leeds United’s out-of-favour Jamaican Rodolph Austin, identified by the revamped recruitment department prior to Hughton’s appointment, is the type of experienced and competitive central midfielder Albion are looking for to strengthen the spine of the side.
Alou Diarra, the 33-year-old former French World Cup midfielder on trial towards the end of Hyypia’s reign, is not currently training with the club.
He has not been entirely ruled out but a deal for Hyypia’s ex-Liverpool colleague is looking unlikely.
Original article
An experienced central midfielder and a replacement for Darren Bent top Hughton’s wish list during the January transfer window, which opens today.
Albion exploited the short-term loan arrangement with Nottingham Forest for utility player Halford to re-engage him for today’s FA Cup third round tie at Brentford.
The deal will subsequently revert to the rest of the season, excluding Forest’s visit to the Amex on February 7.
Hughton is now concentrating on compensating for the departures of Aston Villa loan pair Gary Gardner and Bent, who has been borrowed by Derby County for the remainder of the season.
The former Norwich boss told The Argus: “They are areas that, of course, we are looking at. They are areas where we have lost two loan players.
“Darren Bent was very popular here and a big player.
“Gary Gardner was part of quite a young midfield in general so they are areas that we are looking at. What’s more important is that we have to make the right decisions on players.”
Leeds United’s out-of-favour Jamaican Rodolph Austin, identified by the revamped recruitment department prior to Hughton’s appointment, is the type of experienced and competitive central midfielder Albion are looking for to strengthen the spine of the side.
Alou Diarra, the 33-year-old former French World Cup midfielder on trial towards the end of Hyypia’s reign, is not currently training with the club.
He has not been entirely ruled out but a deal for Hyypia’s ex-Liverpool colleague is looking unlikely.
- Hughton eyes more additions after Halford return
- Albion complete Halford deal in time for FA Cup tie
- Halford poised for Albion return
- Albion welcome skipper back for Hughton's first game
- Bloom has high hopes Hughton will lift Albion away from trouble
Original article