West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur and Northern Ireland talent Jamie Donley on a permanent deal.
Donley is currently on loan at London-based side Leyton Orient, who will play their part in the League One play-off final later this month after beating Stockport County last night on penalties.
The 20-year-old has made over 50 appearances in all competitions this season for the O’s, registering 19 goal contributions in the process.
Questions Over Permanent Deal
The Northern Irishman still has two years left on his contract at Spurs, which may prove to be a problem for the Baggies.
Latest reports suggest that the Championship outfit have made an early bid of £1.5 million to try and get a permanent deal sorted; however, if the Premier League side do not want to sell him, a loan move is thought to also be an option.
Donley was born in Northern Ireland, but has made youth appearances for both his country and England at youth level. He made his professional senior debut for Northern Ireland last month.
Baggies Early Business
Albion have also been linked with a move for Senegalese centre-back Gora Diouf as they look to strengthen in the summer. They are also without a manager, after parting ways with former manager Tony Mowbray nearly a month ago.
Speaking to BBC Radio London in March, Donley said:
“I want to show everyone what I can do. People say to go out and explore men’s football instead of just playing under-21s football, and now I’m at this stage, I’m glad I’ve gone and done that.”
With a season of men’s football under his belt, the 20-year-old seems hungry for more, with another temporary or even permanent move away from the capital on the cards
Writer’s View
West Brom are certainly showing early signs of breaking the bank, but going all out for Donley makes perfect sense. His first season in men’s football at just one level lower than the Championship has been a huge success, with the Northern Irishman having 19 goal contributions to show for it. It’s no secret that he’s been one of the main reasons for Orient’s success this season.
From the player’s perspective, a move away from Spurs might make sense if he believes there is no pathway into the men’s first team, with first-team football at West Brom on offer. A loan offer would also work perfectly for all parties.
