Rickie Lambert never did get a fair shake at Liverpool after trading Southampton for a return to Merseyside last summer and now the 33-year old looks set to leave after only one year at Anfield with Premier League rivals West Bromwich Albion his most likely destination.
With only a pair of league goals to show for 25-appearances in the famous red shirt, Lambert was given the chance to leave last January with a number of clubs reportedly interested in his services, but he rejected a move to Aston Villa to fight for his place in the Liverpool first team. Despite Daniel Sturridge’s multiple, recurring injuries and the poor form of his colleagues in front of the net, his decision to stay didn’t pan out. With strike trio Danny Ings, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi all arriving at Anfield this summer, Lambert has been put on the auction block, and after careful consideration, Baggies boss Tony Pulis is ready to buy.
“Rickie is available. Liverpool have made that known. We’d be interested. It’s very important that we get players who will score goals. Rickie’s got a great goalscoring record,” explained the West Brom manager. “From what I can gather from people at Liverpool his fitness levels are very very good, and he is desperate to play football,” he continued. “He didn’t play last year so it’s like bringing a brand new car out of the garage if we did sign him. Just putting a bit of petrol in it and letting it run.”
Although there’s been no word from the Reds, most major media outlets are reporting that a deal will be agreed within the next 48-72 hours with West Brom no doubt keen to get him in before their season kicks off against Manchester City early next month. More on this when it’s made official…
