Shankland checks in at West Brom training ground ahead of Hearts transfer
West Brom are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland.
Albion are starting to prepare for their next season in the Championship, under the new direction of Ryan Mason.
Aspirations of Premier League promotion are not far out of reach for the new season, after narrowly missing out on play-off qualification.
The transfer window is beginning to take shape for the Baggies, with reports that Mason could use his Tottenham contacts to bring young talent to the club.
One attacker who looks close to being on his way to The Hawthorns is Hearts goal machine Shankland.
The Scotland international joined the Scottish Premiership side in 2022 and has gone on to score 68 times in 137 appearances across all competitions for the Edinburgh club.
West Brom ‘close’ to agreeing the move
West Brom have previously been linked with the striker, who could leave on a free transfer as his contract is set to expire.
The Baggies are hoping to attract fresh talent on free transfers this summer, with PSR concerns at the back of the club’s mind.
Southampton and Rangers have also been keeping an eye on the 29-year-old.
Shankland had previously rejected two new deals to remain at Hearts, with senior officials at the Scottish side hoping they could renegotiate for the striker to remain at Tynecastle.
However, talks appear to have stalled, with West Brom advancing to make Shankland their first summer signing.
According to DOOD, on X, talks between Albion and Shankland have gone well, with the striker reportedly visiting the training ground on Saturday (7 June).
This indicates West Brom could be a step closer to sealing the deal, which would see them beat Championship competitors Southampton in a crucial move ahead of the new season.
West Brom need to strengthen their attack
One area Albion need to strengthen ahead of the new season is their attack, if they wish to fulfil their dreams of fighting for a play-off spot.
This season, the loans of attackers Adam Armstrong and Will Lankshear were underwhelming and disappointing for fans.
Armstrong contributed only six goals in 16 games for the Baggies, while Lankshear failed to score once.
Shankland could become essential to strengthening the attacking potential of Mason’s side, especially as current talent is attracting interest from other clubs.
Winger Tom Fellows has caught the eye of newly promoted Birmingham City after a successful season in the Championship.
The academy graduate was a key part of last season’s success, and West Brom need to hold onto him to replicate this.
West Brom need to invest in their attack ahead of the new season, starting with the signing of Shankland, in the hopes of achieving their promotion dreams.