The biggest story of a relatively quiet transfer deadline day was a move for Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal to West Brom.
At various stages in the day it looked like the 23-year-old might end up at Southampton, Leicester City or Newcastle United, but as it ended up it was the Baggies who won the race.
What appears to have swung it for Big Sam's relegation-battling side is their offer to allow the versatile England international an opportunity to play in his preferred central midfield position.
But will he actually be able to play there?
During his Arsenal career Maitland-Niles has almost exclusively played at full back or wing back despite his desires, as this is where Mikel Arteta sees as his best positon. But there is a chance that he may end up there again.
To get the inside track on what lies in store for him at the Hawthorns, football.london spoke to Birmingham Mail 's West Brom reporter Joseph Chapman who believes the move could be a mixed blessing.
KK: How excited are West Brom to be able to get Maitland-Niles?
JC: Very, judging by the fanbase’s reaction alone. There’s a recognition of the quality that Maitland-Niles has, that has him in England contention. He feels like a really high calibre signing, a player who has plenty of first-team experience at Arsenal and who can jump straight into this West Brom team and immediately improve them.
KK: What position do you see Maitland-Niles playing for West Brom?
JC: That’s a great question. I know that the man himself will want to play in midfield, and I’m sure that there’ll be certain assurances that he’ll get a chance there.
At full-back is where West Brom are light, though, and we know that Maitland-Niles can play - and perform well - at right back. That particular one is a case of wait and see, I think.
KK: What does Big Sam tend to demand from his midfielders at West Brom?
JC: Well there needs to be plenty of energy. Conor Gallagher on loan from Chelsea ticks that box, and Jake Livermore does likewise.
Maitland-Niles I think will bring a little more finesse to that department, an ability to pick a pass as well as plenty of agility. He ought to provide plenty of balance to the midfield.
KK: Will Maitland-Niles be expected to change games for West Brom as they seek to stay up?
JC: Will certainly depend on where he plays, I guess. If you played Maitland-Niles as a deep lying midfielder, he can hurt teams with his passing range.
Albion traditionally are a team who don’t usually have more possession than their opponents, though, so Maitland-Niles will likely have to adopt a counter attacking style.
KK: Does Maitland-Niles have what it takes to be a success at West Brom?
JC: I think so. It’s in his own interests to perform well; he wants to impress Gareth Southgate and England, and he’ll need to showcase his abilities if he wants to play at the Euros.
I applaud him for taking on the challenge - Albion have a long slog between now and the season’s end to gather enough points, so that suggests that he has the character required.
KK: Is the move to West Brom better for his England prospects?
JC: He’ll certainly get minutes, so that’s a start. From there, it’ll be on Maitland-Niles himself to stand out in a side which has struggled so far this season, and to help improve the performance levels of his new teammates.
