This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

West Brom are reportedly interested in signing Middlesbrough winger Duncan Watmore according to the Daily Mail. 

The Baggies have struggled in their first season back in the Premier League, and are currently sat 19th in the top-flight standings under the management of Sam Allardyce.

But the newly-appointed Baggies boss is clearly keen to add to his squad in the January transfer window, with Watmore reportedly being one of his targets.

The 26-year-old only signed for Middlesbrough on a short-term contract, but has made an impressive impact with the Championship club, as he has scored five goals in just eight appearances so far this term.

Middlesbrough have offered Watmore a new contract, with his current deal set to expire on 17th January, after he only signed a short-term deal with Neil Warnock's side.

But would Watmore be a good signing for West Brom in the January transfer window, and is he needed in the Baggies squad?

We discuss....

Sam Rourke: 

It's a low-risk, sensible signing.

Watmore has enjoyed a stellar stint at Middlesbrough having scored five goals already, and he clearly looks like a rejuvenated figure after so long out with injury.

He'd be a useful option to have in the Baggies squad as he can play in a variety of positions, however West Brom must ensure they add some quality alongside Watmore.

He's a player that will give you 100% and Sam Allardyce needs players who are willing to give their all as they look to avoid relegation to the Championship this season.

As aforementioned, it's a low-risk deal here and there is the potential for high reward.

He's still only 26, has Premier League experience and is in form, you can see the logic!

George Harbey: 

If you had asked me this a couple of months ago, I would have said no chance.

But Watmore has done really well in the Championship having struggled to impress in League One at Sunderland last season.

Five goals in eight appearances for Middlesbrough this season is a very good record, and his performances have also been really good on the whole.

West Brom need to add some kind of firepower up top, but the Premier League is a big step-up in terms of quality.

It would be tough for him, but at the same time, he’s proven his doubters wrong this season.

Can you score full marks on this 16-question quiz about Middlesbrough's Neil Warnock? 

 

Ned Holmes: 

Watmore has been hugely impressive since joining Boro but I'm not sure he's proven he's ready for the Premier League.

Recent reports have indicated that Albion won't have much money to spend in January, which hints at why the 26-year-old has emerged as a target.

If he can continue to improve, the pacy forward could prove a smart acquisition for the Baggies but equally he might be a major disappointment.

For me, it's simply too early to tell.

Kamil Grosicki is already at the club and can't seem to get a look in, from what I've seen so far I'd take him over Watmore.