West Bromwich Albion leading chase for John Terry but MLS sides uninterested in departing Chelsea skipper
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West Bromwich Albion will again lead the race to sign John Terry this summer, with Tony Pulis determined to take the Chelsea captain to the Hawthorns at the second time of asking.
Pulis made a move for ex-England skipper Terry in January, but the 36-year-old wanted to remain at Stamford Bridge.
However Monday’s announcement that Terry WILL leave the Premier League leaders this summer has primed Pulis to make a fresh move.
Terry has been a bit-part player under Antonio Conte this season, making just five appearances in the league - none since November 5.
(Photo: Man Utd via Getty Images)
However, the veteran centre-half is still keen to carry on playing, declaring: "I feel I still have plenty to offer on the pitch but understand that opportunities here at Chelsea will be limited for me.
"I’m eager to carry on playing and so will be looking to continue with a new challenge."
(Photo: 2017 Getty Images)
(Photo: REUTERS)
Pulis hopes to persuade him to head to the West Midlands. The Baggies boss has been kept abreast of the Terry situation since making his move at the beginning of the year.
Pulis last month declared that he was keeping Terry in his thinking, as he looks to further improve West Brom ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.
“In January he wanted to stay with Chelsea,” said Pulis. “He wanted to stay there and be part of going out as a champion. I’m not sure how many times he’s won it with them but John wanted to stay there.
“If he becomes available in the summer, we’ll sit down and have a little think about what we’ve got and what we haven’t got and we’ll take it from there."
Pulis is also worried at the prospect of losing Jonny Evans, amid potential interest from the Premier League's big hitters.
(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: REUTERS)
It's understood that MLS clubs have little interest in a big-money contract to take Terry to the United States however.
There has been something a change in the league in the last 12 months, with clubs actively switching their focus away from veteran stars towards up-and-coming talents in the transfer market.
Terry's salary demands would make him a Designated Player in the US, something that is almost exclusively the domain of attacking players also.
(Photo: Steve Bardens)
Bournemouth and Eddie Howe will also look to persuade Terry to remain in the Premier League, albeit with a move to the south coast.
The Cherries have conceded 63 goals so far this season - only Swansea and Hull have let in more - and Howe is well aware that it is an area his side must improve in the close season.