West Bromwich Albion are reportedly eyeing a move for Reading striker Lucas Joao.
What’s the news?
According to a recent report from Football Insider, the Baggies are working on a deal to sign the Royals attacker.
The report also adds that not only have the Midlands club registered their interest in signing Joao, but that Reading could be forced to sell the player before transfer deadline day as he is now into the final year of his contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
After starting his career in Portugal, the 28-year-old moved to England in 2015 when he joined Sheffield Wednesday.
Having scored 29 goals in 127 appearances for the Owls, the Angolan joined Reading in 2019 and has since gone on to find the net 39 times in 84 games across all competitions.
Forget about Delap
With ten goals to his name in 24 league appearances last season, only John Swift (78) racked up more shots at goal than Joao (49) for Reading, showing the danger that he can provide in front of goal.
Bearing in mind how the Baggies have recently lost Daryl Dike to a thigh injury which could reportedly keep him out of action for the next two months, it’s easy to see why they are apparently looking to bring in another striker before deadline day.
Also, having missed out on signing Liam Delap and Keinan Davis in recent days as they completed loan moves to Stoke and Watford respectively after both players were linked with Albion, this further explains why the club are eyeing Joao.
Would you be happy to see West Brom sign Lucas Joao?
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Previously hailed as a “remarkable” player by former team-mate Jose Semedo, the Reading star has a total of 79 club goals to his name throughout his career.
Taking into account how West Brom have yet to pick up their first victory in the Championship this season, having someone like Joao – who has been described as a “gamechanger” by his manager Paul Ince – could be just what they need to push on and get their campaign going properly.
If Albion they can secure a deal for the centre-forward as soon as possible and get him integrated with the rest of the squad, this could help the club to forget about their disappointment in regards to missing out on both Delap and Davis.
