Carlos Vela may seek pastures new
On-loan Albion striker Carlos Vela today emerged as a target for Anderlecht and Valencia as the Baggies consider whether to pursue a longer-term deal.
On-loan Albion striker Carlos Vela today emerged as a target for Anderlecht and Valencia as the Baggies consider whether to pursue a longer-term deal.
Belgian side Anderlecht are reportedly keen to take the Mexico international to Brussels next season, with Arsenal thought to be considering a permanent sale of the 22-year-old.
And Valencia are also ready to rekindle their long-standing interest in the Gunners forward, according to reports in Spain.
The news comes as the Baggies consider whether they wish to extend Vela's stay at the Hawthorns beyond this season, after mixed fortunes during his five-month loan from the Emirates Stadium.
But a bid from Albion appears increasingly unlikely after Vela was omitted from the match-day squad for Saturday's 1-0 win over Everton.
Vela made an impact for Albion by striking the stoppage-time equaliser against Wolves at the Hawthorns before hitting another late goal to earn a point at Stoke - two results that kick-started boss Roy Hodgson's Baggies career.
But the Mexico international has struggled for first-team chances, having made just three starts since joining Albion on loan in January.
Hodgson is already considering his plans for next season, having led the Baggies to Premier League safety with three matches to spare.
But the head coach has warned against complacency as they look to avoid stumbling in their second successive top-flight season.
He said: "We must be realistic at all times. This is a famous old club with great history - five-times FA Cup winners and a club that feels it should be in the top division on a consistent basis.
"That is our job, our target, to make that happen. But it is increasingly hard because of the financial aspect of the game.
"So we need to be intelligent in our approach, we have to ensure we don't get carried away, we must recognise that our escape this year was, if not lucky, then something that could very easily have gone the other way.
"When three other clubs get relegated, we have to be honest enough to say 'there but for the grace of God.'
"When we return in August we must go into games with the same attitude at the start of the season that we've had at the end of this season, because every game and every point will be precious to us once again.
"Survival will be our goal again and often that will be down to determination, to fighting spirit, because we are not going to dance our way to survival."
