Express & Star

Video: Baggies bid to seal deals for duo

Published
Last updated

Albion will press ahead with deals for Jonny Evans and David Marshall after boss Tony Pulis criticised their defending in the 3-2 defeat by Chelsea.

more

The Baggies hope to make progress on Evans and Marshall early this week – and they could still resurrect a deal for Tottenham's Federico Fazio even if Evans switches from Manchester United.

Pulis was critical of the goals his side conceded in yesterday's Hawthorns defeat to the champions and will now redouble his efforts to strengthen at the back, although he left summer signing James Chester and Villa target Joleon Lescott on the substitutes' bench.

Albion have so far been unable to agree a fee with Cardiff over Scotland international gloveman Marshall, who the Bluebird are thought to value at around £5m.

But they are hopeful of a breakthrough in the next two days as well as progress on Evans, who re-emerged as a leading target on Friday when a deal to sign Fazio stalled over personal terms.

[comments_cta header="What do you think?" text="Will Jonny Evans be a good signing?" button="Log in and start commenting"]

Hawthorns sources insist an agreement to sign Northern Ireland international Evans from Old Trafford would not end the club's interest in Fazio.

The Argentina international, who has four years remaining of a lucrative contract at White Hart Lane, could still move either in a permanent deal or on loan.

His move could also still become entangled in Spurs' bid to sign striker Saido Berahino from Albion.

Pulis said: "The goals we conceded were disappointing.

"You have to be very resolute, determined and difficult to break down when you haven't got the ball and have flair when you have got it.

"We got 50 per cent of it right, we looked good in possession and looked like we would create chances. But we've got to be more resolute, especially against the top teams.

"You can't give away goals like we gave away."