Albion still confident of landing Schneiderlin
ALBION remain confident they have the cash to strike a deal with Manchester United for Morgan Schneiderlin, but accept Everton are strong favourites to sign the French midfielder.
Everton’s unsuccessful £19 million bid for the player on Monday night has not deterred the Baggies, who had an approach, understood to have been £18 million, turned down last month.
United are holding out for a fee close to the £24 million they paid Southampton for Schneiderlin in the summer of 2015.
The Birmingham Post understands Albion have sufficient funds to meet United’s valuation of Schneiderlin, who has made just three Premier League appearances this term.
But there is a strong feeling among Albion’s decision-makers that Schneiderlin will opt for Everton having already laid down roots in the north-west. The fact Schneiderlin has already worked with, and excelled under, Everton boss Ronald Koeman at Southampton is perceived as another decisive factor.
Albion have identified central midfield alternatives but a return for Malaga’s Ignacio Camacho or William Carvalho at Sporting Lisbon is thought to be unlikely.
If the Baggies do break the bank for Schneiderlin, that would end their winter transfer window spending. It would only change if they were made a lucrative offer for Saido Berahino. The proceeds from any sale would then be reinvested on a new striker.
Tony Pulis may well consider the loan market, as he did last January when he brought in Alex Pritchard and Sandro. Having signed Brendan Galloway on loan for the season from Everton, Pulis has only one more domestic loan open to him.