West Brom should rival Birmingham City and eye Swansea City raid | OneFootball

West Brom should follow the interest of midlands rival Birmingham City and target Swansea City man as his contract comes to a close.

With the winter window now open, West Brom should act fast, rivalling Birmingham City and other Championship clubs for the signature of a Swansea City defender, Harry Darling, who could prove key in Albion's promotion bid.

After the recent departure of Carlos Corberan, it seems easy for West Brom fans to forget the beginning of the winter transfer window, as the search for the Spaniard's successor commences.

But despite the importance of making the appropriate appointment in this position, Andrew Nestor and Shilen Patel must also remember the importance of making additions to the playing squad, ensuring the new manager is given a prayer in the Baggies' promotion push.

A key area of Albion's concern is surrounding the centre-back position, with Semi Ajayi sidelined for a spell expected to last until around March and Paddy McNair returning to parent club San Diego FC. The Baggies have been left light with reinforcements.

Although Nestor has already attempted to combat the positional vacancy with the early recall of the prospering Caleb Taylor from his season-long loan with former League One leaders Wycombe Wanderers, question marks still remain over the 21-year-old's readiness for the second tier.

In addition, the disappointing form of Everton loanee Mason Holgate and the frequent injury concerns of Kyle Bartley conclude there are further reinforcements needed to sure up the Baggies back line.

But with Albion's financial future still somewhat tenuous, a shrewd signing available for a minimal fee will be the gem Nestor is searching to unearth, but at this point, he may not be afforded the luxury of time to conclude his head coach hunt before adding to the West Brom ranks.

He will have to act fast as the winter window remains in its infancy, especially as clubs begin to circle around what appears to be one of the brightest gems the Baggies could buy in Swansea's Harry Darling.

West Brom should enter race for Darling

Although the majority of the West Brom collective were gut-punched by the late Swansea equaliser that cancelled out a spirited second-half display in Saturday's meeting, the performance of Darling was one that caught the eye of the home and visitors alike and may have put him on the radar for a move to the Midlands.

He was voted man of the match by the Swans watching in the stands and lauded by head coach Luke Williams, who himself was subject to heavy speculation surrounding the vacant Baggies boss position, labelling him as "brilliant" to Swansea's club site.

The Baggies could have to battle rivals Birmingham City for the signature of Darling but would be confident with their superior position in the English pyramid and play-off projections that they would prevail over the League One leaders.

Darling could be part of daring defensive revival as deadline decisions loom

Immediately analysing the profile of Darling, the defender's suitability for the West Brom ranks is readily apparent.

The 25-year-old would be the joint second-youngest central defender in the senior ranks, a factor that comes into focus when considering the contracts of 33-year-old Bartley and 31-year-old Ajayi are due to expire in the summer.

Darling's ability to cover the right-back position is also of vital use to the Baggies as Darnell Furlong remains the only senior option. Darling's defensive robustness and dynamic mobility are what stand him out as among the premier prospects in the league and was a feat that frustrated the Baggies in their last outing.

The Swan registered five blocks in Saturday's early kick-off, a staggering four more than any other player on the pitch. He also completed seven clearances, second only to the nine of Albion's own Torbjorn Heggem.

But Darling also shines with his sustainability with the ball, a predilection likely to be intrinsic to the philosophy of Baggies' next appointment based upon the key names linked with the vacancy.

Not only does Darling demonstrate the most goal threat offensively, but his accuracy and desire to utilise the ball surpasses that of any West Brom centre-back, something that could be essential if the Baggies opt for another ball-playing manager in the same vain as Carlos Corberan.

Regardless of who the next manager is to replace the Spaniard in the seat in the Hawthorns dugout, Darling's dynamic defensive prowess ensures he could be a key part of Albion's promotion push as the season approaches the business end.

A move must be seriously considered.