West Brom could be looking to upgrade their engine room this January if emerging reports are to be believed...

What's the word?

According to Football Insider, the Baggies are eyeing up a winter swoop for Celtic powerhouse Olivier Ntcham having held an interest in signing him throughout the summer transfer window.

It is claimed that the 24-year-old Frenchman is one of several players that could potentially leave Parkhead to raise funds whilst Southampton are too keen on his signature.

With 18 months remaining on his current deal, Ntcham is valued at £12m by the Hoops hierarchy, though that price may drop by next month.

Livermore upgrade?

If Albion are wanting to bolster their midfield department on the cheap, then they should really look no further than Ntcham.

Despite not being a regular starter under Neil Lennon, the former Manchester City starlet has still impressed each time he's on the pitch - in the Europa League alone, he has averaged 2.3 dribbles, 1.5 shots, 1.3 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and one key pass per game, via WhoScored.

This merely signals his industrious ability as a box-to-box monster, thoughts which are echoed by the Bhoys chief himself.

"Olivier Ntcham is an excellent player and it’s really up to him to keep that consistency. He’s a great trainer and already he’s made a significant start to the season.

"When he is in the mood, he’s fantastic. If we can just get that consistent level from him, we’ll have one hell of a player on our hands – as we already do," Lennon told Celtic View (via 67hailhail).

Whilst ex-Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, the man who signed him originally, is also a massive fan of his talents, dubbing the Frenchman a "terrific talent" in 2018.

Such a move could signal the end for Jake Livermore, who hasn't featured in any of the Baggies' last two Premier League outings nor has he played the full 90 minutes since the middle of October, per Transfermarkt.

No player in the Premier League is recording more fouls (2.5 per game) than Livermore right now, and with an average rating of just 6.26, he ranks as the worst starter for Slaven Bilic.

Ntcham, who also delivered eight goals and four assists last season, would be the perfect upgrade, especially for a fee reduced from £12m. Luke Dowling should look to get this done.

AND in other news, West Brom dodged a £80k-per-week bullet in once "FEARLESS player"...