Robson admits uncertainty over Kirkland future
Bryan Robson has admitted West Brom’s hopes of signing Chris Kirkland on a permanent basis depend on whether they hold on to their Premiership status.
Kirkland has been on loan from Liverpool at The Hawthorns this season before suffering a broken finger in training last month.
Reds boss Rafael Benitez has made it clear Kirkland has no long-term future at Anfield and the 24-year-old has admitted to being willing to consider a switch to Albion.
But Robson acknowledged West Brom may not be able to meet Kirkland’s wage demands if the midlands club drop into the Championship.
Robson said: “As a manager I would love to keep Chris here but it’s going to be down to circumstances and which division we are in next season.
“Obviously the wage budget is different between the Championship and the Premiership. But if I could do a deal with Liverpool, Chris and his agent, I would be interested.
“But until we know where we are going to be there’s no point in talking to Liverpool.”
Robson has been impressed by Kirkland despite him losing his place to Tomasz Kuszczak after being laid low by a kidney injury in October.
He said: “I have been impressed with Chris and he was unlucky to get his kidney problem when he did after doing well in the first half of the season. Then he broke his finger which can happen to anyone.
“To have Tomasz and Chris at West Brom, both of whom are only in their mid 20s, and have them developing together would be ideal.”
Kirkland admitted: “I have been unlucky with injuries at West Brom but have proved that whatever club signs me will not be taking on a crock next season.
“There were question marks placed over my back which I had problems with over the previous couple of years but it has not been an issue at all this season.”
