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Is Hull City’s Tom Huddlestone the perfect replacement for Darren Fletcher at West Brom?
According to exclusive reports in on Wednesday afternoon, West Brom are allegedly considering a move for Hull City midfielder Tom Huddlestone to replace the outgoing Darren Fletcher.
The ex-Manchester United man for Premier League rivals Stoke City last week and it seems that Tony Pulis has wasted no time in outlining who he wants to succeed the Scotsman.
It is believed that the 30-year-old midfielder has a clause in his current Hull City contract that would allow him to leave should the Tigers be relegated – as long as their £2 million asking price is met.
Is an immediate move back to the Premier League likely?
From one reliable, experienced Premier League veteran to another, acquiring the signature of Tom Huddlestone would certainly be an astute piece of business from Tony Pulis at the Hawthorns.
Three years at Derby County, allied with eight years at Tottenham and four years at Hull City, means that he’s one of the most experienced midfielders around and this could be a valuable asset next season.
Able to function best sitting in front of the back-four, he has the intelligence to read the game extremely well and has also developed the natural ability to lead the line and keep things compact.
The 30-year-old also has a touch of class in the middle of the park, naturally composed whilst on the ball and able to dictate the play and keep things ticking along nicely to retain possession for his side.
Stationed deeper than most midfielders, he carries an instinct to mop up opposition attacks before they get started and – when given the chance – his rocket of a right-boot can often produce the sublime.
Perhaps above anything else, though, Huddlestone puts his everything into his time on the pitch and rarely stops running until the final whistle – which is a trait that would certainly appeal to Pulis.
Although he’s not particularly blessed with the most pace in the middle of park, nor does he have the best agility, there’s no doubt that Huddlestone is still the perfect footballer for a mid-table side.
Despite tailing off towards the end the Baggies had an exceptional season to finish inside the top ten, and they will be looking at building on this promise by making the right additions this window.
Considering how much money is thrown around in the game of football nowadays, the potential to steal Huddlestone away from Hull for just over £2 million is a risk certainly worth taking this summer.