Comment: Where West Brom need to strengthen on deadline day

Jim White’s yellow tie will be glinting like false gold on Sky Sports News, bringing supporters up-to-date news of Cowdenbeath’s latest youth team loanee.

Albion’s recent history in the final throes of the January window is inauspicious to say the least.

Last season the club signed invisible man Ali Gabr and the invisible hamstrings of Daniel Sturridge.

One of them never played for the club after arriving with little fanfare, the other barely did after arriving with plenty.

The season before, Albion brought in Marc Wilson on loan.

He started just three games as the season fizzled out before being one of the poor souls who pitched up on a Netflix documentary in Sunderland.

But this year, the Baggies need to give Darren Moore a slightly more bombastic deadline day.

Having failed to replace Harvey Barnes since Leicester recalled him, perhaps in hope he might return, Albion have also let Bakary Sako head back to Crystal Palace.

In isolation, there is no problem with those two deals. One was out of Albion’s hands, the other helped off-load £30,000 in wages each week.

But even though the Baggies have the division’s most potent strike-force with Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez, it has left them perilously thin up front.

Injury to one or, heaven forbid, both of those players and the chances of promotion will fade.

The fixture list is starting to pile up. Starting this Saturday, Albion have eight games in 28 days. That’s one every three and a half days.

Whether it’s Jacob Murphy on loan from Newcastle, the current top target, or a back-up option, there’s no question Albion need at least one, if not two, attacking additions.

At the back things are slightly more calm. After five clean sheets in the last eight games, both the first choice and second choice back four are starting to reassure.

Tosin Adarabioyo’s partnership with Kyle Bartley in the FA Cup has encouraged the Baggies to funnel their thoughts further forward.

Moore has been after a left-back this month in order to let Conor Townsend leave on loan, but it is not a priority.

The midfield is not as light as up front, but not as strong as defence.

Injuries to Matt Phillips, James Morrison and Chris Brunt have allowed 18-year-old Rekeem Harper and 20-year-old Sam Field to step into the fold.

Gareth Barry, who turns 38 soon, has been playing through the pain barrier while numbers are thin.

Although Harper and Field are too close to the first team, adding another body to the engine room may allow Kyle Edwards to leave on loan, as could defender Jack Fitzwater.

The good news is that Albion’s big-hitters are all expected to stay. Jay Rodriguez is ready to knuckle down while Craig Dawson and Matt Phillips are set to stay.

But the Baggies need to make signings today in order to give Moore the best chance to succeed this season.