Ryan Mason masterclass as 'medical underway' for major new West Brom transfer
Ryan Mason is working hard to build a team capable of promotion in his first transfer window as West Brom manager.
The 34-year-old hasn't completed any signings yet, but that looks set to change imminently at The Hawthorns, with the playing squad returning for pre-season on Wednesday.
Mason has strong Premier League links from his time at Tottenham, and looks to have put them to use already in the Black Country.
Nat Phillips to start medical at West Brom
Liverpool defender Nat Phillips is set to become Mason's first signing at West Brom, providing he passes his medical on Monday.
The 28-year-old was on loan at Derby County last season, and the Rams had been very keen to sign him permanently, with other Championship clubs also interested.
However, it's Mason who has won that race for West Brom, according to The Athletic.
Phillips will bring valuable experience to the Baggies' backline, having played at the highest level for Liverpool.
He will perhaps be best remembered at Anfield for the role he played in the 2020-21 season, helping the Reds secure Champions League football in 17 Premier League appearances during an injury crisis.
Phillips will make a great signing for West Brom
This is Mason's first transfer window in a permanent managerial role, and the impending capture of Phillips is a great coup to get his summer business up and running.
He will surely prove to be a great presence in a Baggies defence that needed strengthening following the departure of Semi Ajayi, who has joined Hull.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Appearances |
| 32 | 2241 | 1 | 3 |
The fact that Phillips chose West Brom over a handful of other Championship clubs is a good sign of things to come. Even during his first permanent job, Mason has pull.
It has been suggested that more players could follow Phillips to West Brom this week, with Lawrence Shankland and Mikey Moore possibly among them.
Mason will meet most of his squad face-to-face for the first time on 25 June, which is the first day of pre-season training. That's when the real hard work of preparing for a Championship promotion push begins.
It's an exciting time to be a Baggies fan.
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