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West Brom linked with Napoli midfielder Allan

By James Reeve

TURIN, ITALY - MAY 08: Marques Loureiro Allan of SSC Napoli in action during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 8, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - MAY 08: Marques Loureiro Allan of SSC Napoli in action during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 8, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) /
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West Bromwich Albion are on the lookout for a long-term replacement for Darren Fletcher and recent reports suggest that Napoli’s Allan could be a target.

33-year-old Fletcher departed the Hawthorns this summer after making 91 league appearances since 2015, joining Premier League rivals Stoke City on a free transfer.

Since the Scotland internationals departure, fans have called out for a replacement to be brought in and the Birmingham Mail named Brazilian midfielder Allan as a target for the club.

Allan made 29 appearances in Serie A last season, seeing Napoli finish 3rd while picking up a goal and six assists in just 19 starts.

A World Cup winner with the Brazil Under-20 team in 2011, Allan would prove to be a solid replacement for Fletcher.

Allan plays primarily as a central midfielder but is also competent going forward and contributes to different phases of play with his strong passing ability.

Last season alone he completed 86.6% of his attempted passes, averaging 39.6 passes, with at least one key pass, per match for Gli Azzurri.

With Tony Pulis favouring a defensive style of play, Allan would also fit in well with the West Midlands team.

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The 26-year-old midfielder makes 2.4 tackles and also intercepts the ball almost once per match, playing for a highly competitive Napoli team in one of the strongest leagues in the world.

Whilst usually playing in a deeper, holding midfield role, Allan has shown an ability to move the ball forward and contribute to the attacking phase of play.

As well as his solitary goal and six assists, Allan makes averages 1.3 dribbles per match, giving him opportunities to use his strong passing to help his team in the attacking third.

Allan also comes with plenty of experience at a high level, having 104 league appearances for Udinese and a further 72 with Napoli under his belt, giving him a proven pedigree in a top league.

He is currently valued at €16 million according to Transfermarkt, but this could increase due to the number of clubs interested in his services.

West Brom are reportedly facing competition from Premier League rivals Southampton and Newcastle United for the Brazilian’s signature, something that could lead Napoli to drive up the asking price.

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If West Brom are willing to pay the price, Allan would be a valuable addition to Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion team and would be the ideal long-term replacement for former captain Darren Fletcher.

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