West Brom join Arsenal in race for Stevenage teen sensation Ben Wilmot after being priced out of moves
Alan Pardew ready to sell Jonny Evans and Wilmot is just the understudy he needs as he rebuilds Baggies' defence
WEST BROMWICH are ready for a tug-of-war with Arsenal over Stevenage defender Ben Wilmot.
The Boro academy graduate has impressed since making the senior team.
The Mirror reports that Wilmot, 18, made his third consecutive first-team start in the 3-0 FA Cup defeat to Reading and is tipped to have a bright future.
Arsenal are keen on the teenager and now Albion boss Alan Pardew has hopes of turning Wilmot into the next Jonny Evans.
Former Manchester United and Sunderland defender Evans is wanted by Arsenal, Leicester City and Manchester City.
It means Pardew could soon have £25million to play with.
CLAIM YOUR FREE £30 BET Check out this new sign up offer from Sun Bets
West Bromwich Transfer Stories
West Bromwich are said to have lined up 6ft 4in Egypt international Ali Gabr as a replacement, initially on loan from Zamalek.
But Pardew fancies signing Wilmot as an understudy.
GIVE ME ED Chelsea in talks with Roma over £77m swoop for Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmer
It would actually be quite something for the new West Bromwich boss to sign someone.
They have failed with enquiries for Theo Walcott, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings, and Pardew is now eyeing cheaper options.
Pardew said: “We don’t really have any finance to do anything regarding a player of stature unless there’s a transfer out.
"Theo Walcott,' can we do that.' No, that goes to Everton. It's how you react, right up to the last two days, sometimes the last hours.
"But we don't want to be in a position going into those last three days in that equation, when the better options have already gone and you're left with options that don't work."
Wilmot's centre-back partner Jack King confirmed that Wilmot is definitely a youngster to look out for.
He told Comet Sport: “It’s been good.
💰How to claim your FREE £30 bet💰
“We conceded a few goals and kept a clean sheet in the first game against Reading.
“He’s done okay. It’s a very tough position to play and to blood yourself in.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
“When you play at centre-back generally, if you make a mistake it’s a goal.
“If you come into the team higher up the pitch and you are making mistakes it’s not going to cost you a goal.
“He’s been thrown in at the deep end, he’s doing well, he’s a good player and I’m sure he has a bright future ahead of him.”