Express & Star

We need as much help as we can - West Brom looking for transfer boost

The January transfer window can give an important boost in Albion's pursuit of a top six finish, reckons interim boss Chris Brunt.

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The Baggies are yet to make any additions to their weary squad at the midpoint of the month. The loans of defender Paddy McNair and attacker Lewis Dobbin have ended.

Albion are seeking January reinforcements with a need to bolster forward positions given little back-up to Josh Maja all season and it was this week confirmed Maja would spend up to a couple of months on the sidelines after surgery on a lower leg injury.

Long-term absentee Daryl Dike is nearing a comeback from 12 months out but will take some time to reach full speed.

Interim head coach Brunt had been expected to return to his normal loans manager role this week with Raphael Wicky due to take the post, but talks with the Swiss coach collapsed after he failed to bring two staff members as agreed in negotiations.

Brunt said of the window:  "Every transfer window is an opportunity to try to improve your squad.

"As a player you might think a little bit differently sometimes, because if someone comes in it might be your spot, but when you step away for the bigger picture it is important to bring in fresh faces in every window.

"It is probably more for the dressing room and around the place, different ideas, faces, personalities that help.

"It just helps everybody around the place. This period has been so long and difficult, you get through the Christmas period to the end of the season but there are still so many games so we need as much help as we can."

Top scorer Maja was left out of the FA Cup tie at Bournemouth last week and his absence will be felt as the Baggies have struggled to have the same presence without the striker.

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Josh Maja's 12-goal season has been hit by a crual injury blow. (Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images)

Albion are not expected to bolster their defence further given the loan recall of Caleb Taylor. Another versatile attacker could be on the radar given Dobbin was recalled by Villa due to a lack of game time.

"We're in a decent position in the league, looking to push for play-offs at least again, that would be my opinion on the squad and what I've seen over the last few weeks," Brunt added.

"Anything we can help improve going forward would be fine. If there's anything available that you can do to improve you then you should always entertain it I would say."