We’ve made the Grady now let’s splash cash
DIANGANA DEAL ON BILIC RADAR
WEST BROM boss Slaven Bilic is urging the Baggies to splash some of their promotion cash to seal a £20million deal for Grady Diangana.
The 22-year-old has been a sensation during his season-long loan fromWest Ham and Bilic is desperate to engineer a permanent switch.
Diangana, an attacking midfielder who is a big favourite with the fans, scored one goal and made another in the 2-2 draw with QPR that clinched automatic promotion on the final day.
Bilic believes the bulk of his players are good enough to grace the top flight and wants to give them a crack without spending a fortune on wholesale changes.
West Ham played hardball over Albion’s initial £15m offer but, with promotion now in the bag, they could be ready to raise it to £20m.
Bilic is eager to move quickly with Celtic, Everton and Newcastle believed to be showing an interest.The England Under-21 international is now back at West Ham – where he came through the academy – but accepts that it might be time to move on.
And with West Brom able to give him top-flight football, a deal could suit all parties if the Hammers’ valuation is met.
Diangana has arguably been Albion’s main man this season and Bilic knows exactly what he would be getting if a transfer can be completed.
He wants to show loyalty to his players and points to the likes of Sheffield United to prove that throwing money around is not always the best way to go about things.
Bilic said: “We will see. We are a good team. We have a good example with Sheffield United, Norwich and Aston Villa.
“It is maybe three different approaches that show you have to change but you don’t have to change a lot. The majority of the guys we have counted on here are going to play in the Premier League because they deserve it.
“Over the whole season, the players have been fantastic. I really believe that some of them will be more suited to the Premier League.”
Bilic’s masterplan could also include Republic of Ireland international Callum Robinson, who saw the season out at the Hawthorns on loan from Sheffield United.
The striker cost the Blades £6.8m from Preston 12 months ago before joining
Albion’s promotion-seeking squad at the end of January.
Robinson scored the other goal against QPR but admits he does not know what the future holds for him.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed my time here. I came here to help the boys and I was able to do that. The lads have been doing it from August. I’ve just tried my best and to be committed.
“I’m happy we got the job done. I’ve got to wait and see what happens. In the summer, in my head, I will go back to Sheffield United.”