West Brom somehow managed to keep their hold onto their most prized asset Saido Berahino last summer despite a strong interest from elsewhere but with 22-year-old entering the final year of his contract at Hawthorns, the Baggies are unlikely to play hardball with his transfer for long. With the release of Victor Anichebe and the likely exit of Berahino, Tony Pulis needs a forward who can compete with Salomon Rondon and Rickie Lambert for a place in the first team.
West Bromwich Albion are weighing up a move for former Newcastle and Southampton striker Leon Best as per reports from The Birmingham Mail. The 29-year-old striker is out of contract and has been invited to train with the club by Tony Pulis following his contract expiry with Rotherham recently.
The 29-year-old Irish international had three wasteful years at Blackburn but managed to bring back life to his career during his short spell with Rotherham. Although he managed to fire just four goals from 10 starts in the Championship for the Millers, it proved to be the difference for the Championship side for their survival in the Championship.
The decision is up to Tony Pulis now whether to offer the Irish international a contract or not as he takes a look at him at close quarters. But, we are a bit skeptical about the deal as Best never was a prolific forward during his journeyman career in English football.
On the bright side, the best form of Best came when he was in the Premier League with Newcastle United. From 32 Premier League games, the 29-year-old produced 10 goals and four assists whereas he could not establish himself a proven goal threat in the Championship (just 35 goals from 208 Championship matches).
A point worth to be noted is that Pulis is a manager who can bring out the best from the unlikeliest of the players. Best’s move to West Brom could prove to be a good one for the Baggies. On a free transfer, it does not come with that big a risk.
Best won an average of 3.6 headers every game in the Championship last season. Well folks, now can you see what Pulis sees in the 6’1” forward? The 29-year-old has a decent pace in his locker and is a good dribbler. That makes him a threat on the counter. Leon Best looks like a perfect Tony Pulis attacker and even though many would be having their doubts on the success of the deal, it might prove to be a smart one.
