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 plotting a January swoop for AFC Bournemouth centre-back Steve Cook in the January transfer window, as per Football Insider.

The 29-year-old has a wealth of experience in the top-flight having been a regular fixture in the heart of the Cherries' defence during their time in the Premier League.

His contract expires next summer and the Baggies are eyeing up a potential cut-price deal for the player, as they look to bolster their defence to aid their chances of survival in the top-flight.

So, what do you make of this news? Would Cook be a good addition for West Brom? Can you see Bournemouth offloading?

The team here at FLW take a look....

Alfie Burns

Given the sale of Hegazi, you’ve got to say that West Brom are short of a centre-back and Bilic will want that addressing at the earliest opportunity.

Cook has bags of experience and would be a player that suits what West Brom need.

However, in terms of the Cherries selling, I’m not sure they will.

The 29-year-old is a key player at Bournemouth and retaining him will give them a good chance of bouncing straight back into the Premier League.

His contract situation is a concern, granted, but surely promotion outweighs moving him on in January?

I’m just not convinced I see Bournemouth selling in January.

 

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Jacob Potter

I'm not too sure about this one to be honest.

Cook hasn't exactly been a top performer for Bournemouth whilst they were playing their football in the Premier League last season.

His lack of pace concerns me, as he can often get turned relatively easily by opposition forwards, and I don't think he's the sort of player that West Brom should be looking at.

His experience would be useful for the Baggies, but on the whole, this wouldn't be a move that suits either party.

Cook wouldn't be getting in the starting XI ahead of Semi Ajayi or Branislav Ivanovic, so he'd only occupy a spot on the substitutes bench.

I'd avoid this move at all costs if I was Slaven Bilic, as he's not the type of player that they need to survive in the top-flight this term.

Jake Sanders

Just seven games into the season, West Brom already have the joint-worst defensive record in the Premier League, having kept a single clean sheet and are therefore already in desperate need of proven, experienced defenders, if they're to avoid an instant relegation to the Championship.

Cook already has 150 topflight appearances under his belt and has been involved in previous relegation battles with Bournemouth, and came out on top. With the 29-year-old ticking all of those boxes, he would be a shrewd signing for the Baggies.

He has already entered the final 12 months of his Cherries contract, so West Brom could get him at a cut-price - which could prove an excellent piece of business in January, at a time when it's traditionally difficult to sign players.

Whilst Bournemouth would be against selling their captain and one of their most important players, cashing in on Cook in January, rather than risk selling him on a free next summer, would appear a sensible decision.