Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Carlton Palmer has said it is ‘just crazy’ that West Brom could lose Tom Fellows in the January window.
Fellows has recently been linked with a move away in the January transfer window with Southampton and Leicester City both reportedly interested.
Journalist Chris Lepkowski has recently played down the rumours of him leaving.
Palmer on potential wonderkid’s departure
Speaking to Football League World, Palmer has called it ‘crazy’ that Fellows could potentially be leaving the club for a low fee.
He said: “Tom Fellows, West Brom’s talented young forward, is attracting attention from elsewhere.
“West Brom are working hard to get Tom to commit to a new long-term contract and are hopeful of doing so.
“Tom’s contract expires in the summer – I can’t understand why West Brom have put themselves in such a difficult position before the January transfer window, it’s just crazy.
“Before he commits to a new long-term contract, I’m sure Tom will want assurances about much-needed game-time.
“West Bromwich Albion need to do everything in their power to get him to sign a new contract – failing that they need to sell him in the January transfer window, which would be a huge blow for the club given he has come through the youth ranks and the academy and the money that’s been invested in him.
“I really can’t believe that clubs are still at this moment in time are not securing the services of talented young players on long contracts, and then putting themselves in the position that WBA have currently done.”
Fellows isn’t playing a huge role for West Brom right now, only being used off the bench.
Given that the Baggies are doing well in the Championship, there’s no real reason for Corberan to change things up.
The club continues to wade through troubled financial waters and so whether or not a new deal can be agreed, and one that suits Fellows who might think he can get a better deal elsewhere, remains to be seen.
This emerging interest might push Corberan to give Fellows more game time or even a run of starts in the line up, but again, it would mean dropping an in-form player and so it’s a difficult one to weigh up.
If Fellows is to move on, then expect West Brom to push for a sale in the New Year given his contract situation.
West Brom return to action against promotion chasers Ipswich Town after the international break.