5th Dec, 2023 | 6:00am

Kieran Maguire backs new West Brom deal to stop January firesale

West Brom increasing their loan funding from MSD Holdings could help the club keep hold of key players over the January transfer window.

That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that there are a number of positives to take from West Brom’s loan news.

The Championship club announced in November that they have increased their loan with MSD after borrowing an initial £20million in December 2022.

It adds to the growing loan debt amassed by club owner Guochuan Lai during his time at the club, including the £5million loan which was written off by the Baggies in March.

The Telegraph previously reported that West Brom are at risk of a January firesale if the £50million takeover of the club is not completed.

The Baggies remain in talks with a US party over a potential takeover, and Maguire believes the additional loan funding will help West Brom keep hold of some key players.

“I’m trying to take positives from the additional funding at West Brom,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.

“MSP wouldn’t have advanced money to the club unless they were confident in their ability to repay.

“It could be that they feel that Guochuan Lai will not be the owner of the club for much longer.

“They will be aware of the progress being made in terms of the club’s takeover.

“November is a very bad month for football clubs and wages have to be paid – they only have one or two home fixtures and clubs tend not to generate much money while continuing to pay the wage bill.

“So it looks as though this is working capital to help the club pay their ongoing commitments.

“So from a positive point of view, it could mean West Brom are not forced to sell players in January which could hamper their promotion push.“

In other news, Bundesliga duo plot January moves for West Brom star Tom Fellows