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Report: West Brom enter crowded battle for Premier League wizard who grew up idolising Iniesta

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West Brom are one of many teams fighting for the signature of West Ham youngster Josh Cullen, who could depart the Premier League club this summer.

The Daily Mail report that the Baggies, as well as Bournemouth, Norwich City and Leeds United, are all interested in the Republic of Ireland international who has impressed out on loan with fellow Championship side Charlton Athletic, his second spell with the east London club.

Although West Ham have activated an option in Cullen’s contract to extend his stay with the Hammers until 2021, the lack of agreement on a new long-term contract means that the Essex-born midfielder could leave the Premier League strugglers on the cheap in the summer transfer window.

How many players do West Brom need if they are promoted?

3-5

0-2

6+

Despite Charlton’s position in the Championship, Cullen has remained one of the highest-rated youngsters in the division this season, with the Irish midfielder averaging 1.5 key passes per game as well as 1.8 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per match, and with over 2,000 minutes played this campaign, there is a good reason why the West Ham academy graduate has caught the eye of teams across the country.

And West Brom could have a unique advantage over other clubs clambering to sign Cullen, who grew up idolising FC Barcelona and Spain legend Andres Iniesta, as Slaven Bilic’s pull in West Ham players might influence the Irish youngster’s decision to make a move to the Hawthorns.

Bilic has already used his connections to his former club to sign Grady Diangana on loan, and if West Brom are promoted to the Premier League, Cullen could be more than tempted to leave West Ham for good and reunite with one of his former managers, where he could be in line to play a good amount of first-team football.

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