West Brom boss Slaven Bilic has admitted that work is going on behind the scenes to secure players for next season during this enforced break.
As we all know, the football season has stopped, with the Baggies last game coming as they drew 0-0 at Swansea on March 7. With government guidelines meaning the players are working from home, it has left Bilic and his coaching staff with a lot of free time.
And, speaking to the Express & Star, the ex-West Ham chief explained how they are using this opportunity to take a look at potential transfer targets, as well as identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the nine teams Albion are scheduled to play in the Championship this season.
“We are doing a bit of scouting, of course. People are calling, the agents are calling. Now you have time to start.
“You can watch your games again, we can watch the nine opponents that we still have to play against. At the end of the day, if you have anything now you have time. You can find new ideas in your head. It’s okay. It’s not only to get you through the day – you are trying to improve, you can make the time useful.”
How many players do West Brom need if they are promoted?
3-5
0-2
6+
The report details how Albion have already outlined two sets of players that they could look to sign depending on what division they are in next season. Whilst many expect Albion to win promotion as they are second in the table, they are six points clear of Fulham but have to play the Cottagers before the end of the campaign, so there is still time for twists and turns during the run-in.
Some big names have already been linked with a switch to The Hawthorns in recent days, with Milan Badelj and Domagoj Vida said to be targets. The defender, Vida, and midfielder, Badelj, were both given their debuts for the Croatian national team by Bilic, although any move for the pair is likely to depend on Albion winning promotion to the top-flight.
