Are West Brom still targeting Paterson as their “marquee” signing?

The interest in Jamie Paterson from West Brom is well known – it was first reported towards the end of November along with a potential call up for the Swans player from Scotland as well ahead of their world cup play off matches.

It was back at the time when Paterson’s form – along with that of Swansea – was excellent but since then both player and club have experienced a dip in form although Paterson still has a more than impressive eight goals to his name this season.

And that return is still attracting interest from West Brom despite the reports about Paterson likely to trigger a contract extension at Swansea and it has been suggested that he could be the planned “marquee” signing that West Brom want to make in the January window.

The Baggies currently sit fourth in the league table, four points off the promotion places but also looking nervously over their shoulders as 7th placed QPR are just three points behind them.   That has led to Valerien Ismael looking to strengthen his squad in the January window and Paterson is one player he would like to sign.

However, former Baggies player Carlton Palmer doesn’t see that Swansea would let go one of the first targets that Russell Martin identified when he arrived at Swansea on the eve of the new season.

Palmer told GIVEMESPORT: “They will definitely be in the transfer market in the January window, I am sure of that, to bring in that marquee signing.

“But why would Swansea let a player go to somebody else in that league? I think it would be highly unlikely unless they need the money financially. I don’t know.

“Somebody like him, who has chipped in with eight goals, would be ideal.”

West Brom are set to lose Jordan Hugill who is expected to be recalled by Norwich at some stage this month after scoring just one goal since joining on a season long loan.

It is still difficult to see why the Swans would want to let Paterson go.   Given the comments of the manager about how he made Paterson an immediate target when he joined, losing him in January would seem unthinkable.   It could be that West Brom want to test our resolve with a big money bid which could change the Swans mind but for now this feels like pure speculation and nothing more.