West Bromwich Albion are reportedly targeting a move for Oxford United‘s Brodie Spencer as they look to strengthen their right-back options.
James Morrison has already been active in recruiting new players to join existing Baggies Alfie Gilchrist and George Campbell, with Sacha Tavolieri reporting yesterday that they had sealed the signing of Rodez’ Nolan Galves.
Spencer Interest Emerges
However, one more option could arrive at the Hawthorns before the season starts, with Football League World reporting that they are interested in signing Brodie Spencer from Oxford United.
The 22-year-old only joined the Yellows 12 months ago in order to return to the Championship from Huddersfield Town, and played 32 times as part of their relegation campaign into the third tier.
Albion are not alone in pursuing the Northern Ireland international, though, with Queens Park Rangers also touted with a move for Spencer, having recently recruited former Brighton starlet Tariq Lamptey.
This interest is the latest threat to the U’s and their hopes of retaining their star players amid their transfer embargo, which has banned them from registering any players until at least the January window.
That cost them a move for hometown star Jordan Thomas, who is now on the brink of a move to Doncaster Rovers in the wake of Luke Molyneux’s exit.
Outgoings are also on the cards, with Stan Mills linked to Preston North End, while Football Lowdown exclusively reported that an unnamed Championship club were weighing up a £1 million offer to sign midfielder Jamie McDonnell.
United Hold All The Cards
Having only recruited him 12 months ago onto a long-term contract, Oxford United will feel fairly confident that they can retain Brodie Spencer, and even if a sale is considered, they can push the price as high as they will feel like.
Certainly someone who is of Championship quality, the 22-year-old is rightly being considered by West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers, but their own transfer business may prove the decisive factor in any move.
In Albion’s case, his flexibility across the whole backline could certainly be an asset to James Morrison, but the recruitment of Nolan Galvez from Rodez to challenge Alfie Gilchrist for a first-team spot may threaten him for regular game time.
The R’s meanwhile have made a statement signing in Tariq Lamptey to play right back and are perhaps the better option to head to if Burnley follow up their rumoured interest in Ronnie Edwards, but Oxford may be able to price them out of a deal.
With the transfer embargo still looming over the club, it does seem unlikely a sale will happen unless any suitor can muster up a fee that is too good to reject.
