Express & Star

Jay Rodriguez expected to see out season at West Brom

Jay Rodriguez is expected to stay at Albion for the rest of the season and help the Baggies push for promotion.

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Jay Rodriguez (AMA)

There was Premier League interest in the striker over summer, when Burnley had a £16million bid rejected.

However, the Baggies have not had the same level of interest yet this month and are currently confident they can keep hold of the forward while the transfer window is open.

Rodriguez has been a crucial cog in Darren Moore’s side this season, scoring 13 goals for the Championship’s top scorers.

After Harvey Barnes was recalled by Leicester City, the Baggies do not wish to lose another member of their potent front three.

Technical director Luke Dowling has told the Baggies they shouldn’t be afraid to sell players if the right offer comes in.

But Albion’s strategy in the summer was to do their best to keep hold of their Premier League squad, and that remains their policy in this window.

It’s believed Rodriguez, whose contract runs out in summer 2021, is happy with how the season is panning out at The Hawthorns.

One attacking player who could be allowed to leave on loan is 20-year-old Kyle Edwards.

The Baggies were searching for a loan club for him before Barnes was recalled, although that has slightly muddied the waters because it’s shunted Edwards one rung up the pecking order.

However, Albion’s business is unlikely to take place until towards the end of the window.

Moore is keen to have his whole squad available for next week’s trip to Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, Albion turned down an offer to host an England Under-21 fixture in March due to concerns over the pitch.

The Hawthorns has already hosted 18 senior games this season as well as a number of youth team fixtures and Darren Moore has also used the pitch for training.