West Brom battling Southampton, Watford for new left-back signing
West Brom are in the hunt to sign Hearts defender James Penrice but face rival interest from Watford and Southampton, reports EFL Analysis.
West Brom had a season to forget last year as they tailed away from the play-off hunt in the final months of the season. After Carlos Corberan’s departure back in December, WBA have not quite been the same.
The Baggies are one of many Championship sides who have a very big summer ahead of them. Not only do they need to strengthen the squad, but they are also in the hunt for new head coach after Tony Mowbray’s sacking.
West Brom are looking to get the jump on their rivals early in the transfer window.
Graeme Bailey, via EFL Analysis, is reporting that WBA are keen on signing Hearts ace James Penrice.
The Baggies will have to beat both Southampton and Watford to the left-back’s signature though. The report suggests that West Brom’s director of sport Ian Pearce in the man heading this move.
Hearts are already actively looking for replacements for Penrice, who is likely to leave this summer. Clubs will likely have to pay a reasonable fee for the left-back, who is under contract until 2027.
His best season to date
Penrice has been on of the standout performers in the Scottish Premiership this season. It has been comfortably the best season of his career so far.
From the left side of the Hearts defence, the rumoured West Brom target has picked up five assists and two goals in a side that has not had the best of years. According to FOTMob, he has averaged a 7.32 match rating across 33 games this season.
West Brom have been using Callum Styles as their left-back this year. While he has done a decent job, Penrice would offer some much-needed quality competition in that area.
Promising start to a summer of change at West Brom
After West Brom announced their retained list this week, they confirmed that five first-team players have left the club. This was just further proof of the job the club have this summer to get ready and go again next season.
With a head coach still to come in too, it is a real chance for WBA to make a new identity for themselves. The links to Penrice would be a good start in that regard.
He is exactly the type of player they should be looking at right now. If a deal can be done, then it would be a very nice start to the summer window.
