Why Kyle Bartley could be a good signing for West Brom

As per reports, West Brom are close to agreeing on a deal to sign Swansea centre-back Kyle Bartley.

Bartley made just 10 appearances for Swansea last season and underwent surgery in September after suffering medial ligament damage.

The 27-year-old is now set to join the Baggies for a fee in the region of £4m after six seasons with the Welsh club.

West Brom were relegated from the Premier League season despite a late mini-revival under then caretaker manager Darren Moore.

While Moore was not able to save the Baggies from relegation, the improvement in the team’s results and change of mentality saw him get appointed as the permanent manager in May.

The West Brom rebuilding is underway with winger James McClean and central defender Craig Dawson both currently trying to force moves away from the Hawthorns.

The Baggies have already lost experienced defender Jonny Evans to Leicester City earlier this summer and if Dawson does depart anytime soon, then Moore will be left with just Ahmed Hegazi as the only senior centre-back in his squad.

So signing a central defender is a priority for Moore and he wants to land Bartley from Swansea. Bartley impressed for Leeds United in the 2016/17 campaign and was wanted back by the Whites this summer but it appears as if the Baggies have bagged a steal ahead of them in the defender’s pursuit.

At 6ft 4in, Bartley is a strong and powerful defender capable of winning almost every aerial duel. He has had his fair share of injuries but when fully fit and running, the 27-year-old is a tough defender to deal with.

He falls in the category of no-nonsense defenders but is also comfortable with the ball at his feet. Due to his physical attributes, the former Arsenal man alongside Hegazi can form a formidable partnership at the back for West Brom.

West Brom are struggling to bring in players which is a cause of concern, particularly with their Championship rivals breaking the bank for quality players. But the start of signings at Hawthorns could well be with the addition of Bartley, who still has plenty to offer and if he stays healthy, he can be one of the best defenders in the Championship.

Going by his previous stint with Leeds, Bartley could be a fantastic addition for the Baggies.