West Brom Eyeing £30 Million Double Move For Manchester United Pair

There have two incomings at West Bromwich Albion so far, with Jay Rodriguez, a long-time target, joining from Southampton and Chinese striker Yuning Zhang arriving from Vitesse, but leaving on loan to Werder Bremen just a day later.

Today, fresh reports say that Tony Pulis is looking to get his summer spree well underway with a £30 million double raid on Manchester United.

James Nursey from The Mirror reports that the Baggies are keen on bringing United centre-back duo Chris Smalling and Phil Jones to the club this summer.

Image: PA

Central defence is an area that Pulis would appear desperate to strengthen in, given that Jonas Olsson has moved on, Jonny Evans is a top target for Leicester City, and Gareth McCauley, 38, isn't getting any younger.

And so West Brom, who have signed both Darren Fletcher and Jonny Evans from United in previous dealings with the Old Trafford club, want to sign England internationals Smalling and Jones.

Image: PA

The two were both heavily criticised by manager Jose Mourinho last term in relation to their injury problems, with the United boss believing they should have had a greater desire to play through the pain barrier.

Furthermore, the arrival of Victor Lindelöf from Benfica in a £30.7 million deal, would appear to push both Smalling and Jones further down the pecking order at United, as the Swedish defender is widely expected to be Eric Bailly's regular partner at the heart of the defence.

Image: PA

West Brom are looking to take advantage of the uncertainty and move for the pair, who would undoubtedly improve a WBA backline that is typically solid under Pulis.

Other defenders have been targeted, with West Brom one of many clubs interested in Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson, and the club currently in talks to bring Marc Wilson, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at the Hawthorns.

Image: PA

But Smalling and Jones are primary targets in what would be a progressive bit of business from West Brom should they be able to pull it off.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Manchester United, West Brom

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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