Caleb Taylor set for Mason chance as West Brom pre-season update drops
Caleb Taylor could be a massive beneficiary of Ryan Mason being appointed at West Brom.
The former Tottenham man was only recently appointed Baggies boss, but is already shaping his squad for the upcoming campaign.
Mason is replacing Tony Mowbray at The Hawthorns after the 61-year-old was sacked in a disappointing end to the season in the Championship.
Taylor could take full advantage of that.
Taylor to be given the opportunity to impress
Defence is one of the key areas for Mason to focus on heading into the new season.
West Brom conceded 47 goals last campaign as they missed the play-offs by just four points, and Taylor could take advantage of that this summer.
According to the Express and Star (16 June), the 22-year-old will be given the opportunity to break into the first team after several spells away on loan.
The academy product recently signed a new four-year deal at The Hawthorns and is rated highly within the club.
Taylor spent last season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers in League One and was a key part of the Chairboys’ run to the play-offs.
Another loan move for the defender was a possibility, but it appears that he will be given a chance to prove himself at Championship level.
Mason to oversee defensive reshuffle
One of the reasons behind Mason’s faith in Taylor is the new backline expected to feature at The Hawthorns next season.
Semi Ajayi is in talks to join Hull City already, with the Nigerian international officially moving on when his contract expires on June 30.
The former Rotherham star spent six years with the Baggies, and his departure is set to leave a void at the back for Mason.
Liverpool defender Nat Phillips is a potential replacement signing for Ajayi and would be a shrewd piece of business from Anfield.
The Englishman is an experienced defender in the Championship following loan spells at Cardiff and Derby.
Pairing Taylor, who has plenty of potential, alongside a seasoned operator such as Phillips would be ideal from Mason’s perspective.
Torbjorn Heggem could also be set for a move away, with Baggies fans possibly preparing for a fresh centre-back pairing next season.