West Brom interested in Tottenham defender Kevin Wimmer
Albion are interested in signing Kevin Wimmer this summer but are not yet willing to meet Tottenham's £20million asking price.
The 24-year-old centre-back plans to leave Spurs this summer in search of regular first-team football and would like to stay in the Premier League.
The Austrian has invited offers from other clubs and will make a decision over his future in the next few weeks.
Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson remains Tony Pulis's primary centre-back target but the England international is also interesting Spurs and Manchester City.
Photo: Steindy
And so Wimmer, who grew frustrated last season when he made just five Premier League appearances for Mauricio Pochettino's team, has emerged as a viable alternative should Gibson go elsewhere.
However, Albion do not value Wimmer that highly at the moment, and face competition for his signature from Southampton, who are also interested in the former FC Koln defender.
“Twenty-four years is exactly the age at which it is most important to play regularly," said Wimmer. "Not only have to train week after week and have to sit down on the bench at the game. In the next few days and weeks, the main focus will certainly be placed on what is there for offers, and we will definitely look around.
"It’s time to look for something, where the chances of regular use are again higher.
“For me, it would be the most beautiful if I could stay in the Premier League. The league is very good for me."
Pulis wants to sign a defender to ease the burden off the shoulders of 37-year-old Gareth McAuley.
Former loanee Marc Wilson was not included in Eddie Howe's 30-man squad that travelled to Marbella for a pre-season training camp and he's been told he will be allowed to leave this summer.
Albion are in talks with Bournemouth about a potential £1m deal, but are planning to wait until later on in the window when their squad has taken shape before they decide whether to go ahead with it.
Meanwhile, it seems Pulis's move for 36-year-old midfielder Gareth Barry has not gone down well with supporters, with just under two-thirds of respondents on an Express & Star poll saying he wouldn't be a good signing for the Baggies.
Pulis wants a central midfielder to replace departed skipper Darren Fletcher and Barry, who has made more than 600 Premier League appearances, will be available in the wake of Ronald Koeman's spending spree.
