It has been claimed that West Brom will have to battle a number of Spanish and French sides if they want to sign former Barcelona right-back Ivan Balliu this summer, as Slaven Bilic looks to bolster his ranks ahead of the new season.
We reported here on The72 last week that West Brom were interested in signing Spanish defender Ivan Balliu this summer, with Slaven Bilic in the market for further reinforcements in the right-back position.
But, if the Croatian is to pursue a deal for Balliu, he will have to overcome opposition from Spanish and French sides. A report from Spanish outlet Sport (as cited by Sport Witness) has claimed that alongside the Baggies are Spanish sides Espanyol and Real Vallodolid and French outfit RC Lens.
It is added that Lens may struggle to compete with the likes of the Spanish pair and West Brom for Balliu’s signature, but they still hold an interest in the 27-year-old.
Balliu is a free agent after leaving French side Metz earlier this summer, having spent four years with the club. During his time with Metz, the Spaniard played 116 times, scoring two goals and providing seven assists along the way.
West Brom could be moving on defender Allan Nyom this summer, with La Liga side Getafe said interested, so it has been made one of Bilic’s priorities to bring in another right-back this summer. Queens Park Rangers’ Darnell Furlong is said to be close to joining the club, while Mason Holgate has been linked with a return, but Bilic is said to prefer to play the latter in centre-back rather than out on the right side.