West Bromwich Albion are reportedly weighing their options and are chasing Celtic midfielder, Stuart Armstrong. Tony Pulis reportedly had his representatives present at the Pittodrie Stadium as Celtic outnumbered Aberdeen with a 3-1 win. West Brom are about to finish one of their best seasons in the Premier League and keeping in mind the fantastic campaign, Pulis will be hoping to attract some top names to the Hawthorns.
Celtic are having a brilliant season as they are within a touching distance from earning the tag of the ‘Invincibles’. Brendan Rodgers’ side have already won the Scottish Premiership title and Scottish Cup and will be aiming for more dynamism in the upcoming games.
Armstrong has been the creative force in the midfield as he fired up the Hoops with his 14 goals and seven assists in the Scottish Premiership. He is about to enter his final year of the contract and Rodgers just cannot afford to lose one of his key men. The Bhoys are in the juncture of offering him a new four-year deal to extend his stay at the Parkhead but it remains to be seen whether he accepts the contract or reconsiders his option.
The Baggies have had a great season as Pulis’ side are certain to finish in the top ten. Finishing much higher means a larger chunk of the telecast rights money which Pulis could use to pull off the deal. Armstrong’s Scottish teammates Darren Fletcher and James Morrison had a chat with their boss who have sanctioned the move for their international star.
The Baggies have a £8m purse ready for the midfielder and will offer a wage in the region of £30,000 a week which should be enough to land him. But they have to be a little more cautious while securing the deal as Everton are also planning to table a bid for the player in a bid to replace Ross Barkley if he does leave.
But the way Pulis dictates his style of play might be a bit awkward for Armstrong to fit in. The Scottish midfielder is one of the best ball-playing midfielders and has a strong vision for accurate passes. But the Baggies gaffer is a bit defensive minded and he might be deployed in a more holding role which could be a hindrance to his development. Armstrong is well known for his creativity in the middle of the pitch and Pulis has to reconsider his thoughts before going in for a move.
