Everton and West Ham scouts 'watch player up close' in West Brom game

Everton have shown a strong interest in West Brom gem Tom Fellows, but scouts were in attendance for the recent game with Burnley to watch another player.

The Blues, who failed with a bid in the winter transfer window for Fellows, had a close eye on Albion's 1-1 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor on 11 March.

However, Albion supporters will be relieved to hear that it was a Burnley player Everton and fellow Premier League side West Ham United were keeping tabs on.

Everton and West Ham eye Burnley defender Maxime Esteve

Everton and West Ham were monitoring Clarets star Maxime Esteve ahead of a summer swoop, according to Alan Nixon.

As per the report in the Sun on Sunday's print edition [16 March, page 55], AC Milan were also watching the 22-year-old defender, who has lit up the Championship this season.

West Brom will be relieved after Everton Fellows pursuit

The Baggies will be relieved that the Toffees were not watching Fellows as they will be keen to keep hold of their star man.

The academy graduate has enjoyed a solid campaign at The Hawthorns, notching two goals and 11 assists in 37 matches.

However, the Blues could still revive their interest in the Baggies winger in the summer as David Moyes seeks to revamp his attacking options ahead of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock.

If they want to keep Fellows, the Baggies may need to secure Premier League promotion through the playoffs, as the attraction of playing in the top flight may prove too much for the 21-year-old to resist if another Championship campaign beckons.

If they achieve that ambition then the player may view a move to Merseyside as a sideways step given the Blues' recent relegation struggles, and the fact that he has a strong association with the Black Country club.

Albion will be able to demand a sizeable fee if the winger does decide that he wants to leave as he is under contract until 2027 in the West Midlands.