Dan Carter

Thu 15 February 2024 21:23, UK

West Brom are edging closer towards a takeover as prospective new owner Shilen Patel is expected to attend the Baggies’ clash with Southampton, according to the Express & Star.

The outlet reported on its website on Thursday (15 February) that the American businessman is expected to be in attendance at The Hawthorns on Friday (16 February) night as he remains in advanced talks with Guochuan Lai.

All sides remain confident that a deal can be concluded within the coming weeks, with talks continuing over a deal understood to be worth somewhere around £60million, £40million of which is understood to be debt.

While Patel’s attendance doesn’t mean that a deal has been fully agreed, it does indicate that talks are continuing to head in the desired direction.

Are West Brom close to a takeover?

After news emerged that Lai was going to pay off some of his debts at The Hawthorns, this seems like another positive step to indicate that West Brom are finally closing in on getting new owners after a turbulent period under the current regime.

There had been doubts that Patel would be willing to take on the sheer amount of debt currently possessed by the Baggies. His attendance at Friday’s game may not be a sign things are complete, but it does demonstrate commitment from the US businessman.

Hopefully, Carlos Corberan’s side will be able to put on a show that impresses their prospective new owner and shows him that, with the right investment, this is a side that are more than able to make the step up to the Premier League.

This deal may not yet be over the line, but things appear to be heading in the right direction and Albion supporters can begin to feel a bit excited that a takeover could happen soon at The Hawthorns.

In other West Brom news, Southampton could be set to receive a double injury boost for their trip to The Hawthorns

For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.