West Brom target Tom Cairney: Five reasons Albion should look to sign him

He can find the back of the net

If there's one thing West Brom need to find this month, it's someone with the ability to stick the ball in the back of the net.

Cairney might not have been prolific this season, scoring one goal from 17 appearances, last season he fired in 13 times for Fulham.

The season before that he tallied eight goals too.

Given that he's an attacking midfielder, that's a plentiful return, and one which West Brom would certainly appreciate should he head to The Hawthorns.

The step up could prove tricky, but if he can continue to produce in the top flight he'd be a very astute signing.

He is affordable

Albion aren't in the fortunate position to be able to splash the cash this month, with Financial Fair Play coming into account.

But at a reported £12m fee, whilst not the smallest you'll see, is definitely an affordable price tag for a Premier League investment.

Jay Rodriguez cost Albion a similar amount, whilst Nacer Chadli came in at a slightly higher cost. That means Cairney falls into the bracket West Brom are comfortable working in.

Whilst some fans might baulk at the price tag for a player coming from the Championship, if he does the business, £12m could seem like a snip.

Sell-on possibility

At 26 years of age, Cairney is not the youngest player on the planet, but he's not the oldest either.

If Alan Pardew is keen to bring in a player he could potentially profit from, there's no reason why he couldn't manage it with the Fulham midfielder.

If he scores goals and attracts attention from bigger fish in the Premier League pond, Albion will be able to command a sizeable fee, which will no doubt please Guochuan Lai.

It's a risk, that's for sure, but probably one worth taking for the Baggies this month.

Creative presence

James Morrison's injury struggles this season have revealed West Brom's inability to create chances from open play without him.

The likes of Chris Brunt and Matt Phillips are capable, but Cairney would add another outlet capable of unlocking a defence.

Racking up 13 assists over the past two seasons, he's clearly gifted with the talent to help Albion out when creating chances, and that's what Pardew desperately needs at this point in time.

If attacking impetus is what you need, that's exactly what the 26-year-old brings to the table.

Leadership potential

Jonny Evans' future is up in the air, and with big clubs circling, West Brom face the real prospect of losing their skipper.

However, should they bring Cairney in to The Hawthorns, he can offer a cool head and leadership qualities of his own.

Whilst Jake Livermore and Gareth Barry may be favourites for the armband if Evans does go, Cairney has captained Fulham for most games this season.

His lack of Premier League experience might have Albion fans questioning him, but he's clearly a good man to have in the dressing room.