Penrice hours from putting pen to paper amid West Brom interest
West Brom have been linked with a move for Hearts defender James Penrice this summer.
West Brom are preparing a new dawn under Ryan Mason, but fans have been forced to be patient as the club scour the market for potential incomings.
Nat Phillips was the first arrival at The Hawthorns, after completing a switch from Liverpool for around £3million.
The Englishman’s signing has yet to be added to, however, with West Brom’s season opener against Blackburn just over a month away.
James Penrice on the verge of move from Hearts
Penrice was a regular for Hearts last season, appearing in all but five of the Scottish club’s matches as they narrowly avoided relegation from the Scottish Premiership.
The left-back scored twice and provided four assists, leading West Brom to identify him as a strong option to provide competition for Callum Styles.
However, according to BBC Sport (3 July), Penrice is on the verge of a move to Greek club AEK Athens.
The side from Greece’s capital have submitted a transfer offer and could secure the services of the Scot in the next 24 hours, should they agree personal terms.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 33 | 2 | 5 |
If West Brom are to have any chance of competing for the defender’s signature, they must act quickly, or risk losing out.
Penrice began his career at Partick Thistle, before a loan to Livingston was made permanent in 2021.
The 26-year-old made the switch to Hearts last year and impressed for the Edinburgh-based club – earning a place in the PFA Scotland team of the year, despite the team’s tumultuous season.
West Brom must act quickly
West Brom are in danger of leaving new boss Mason high and dry at the start of the season.
The Baggies have already missed out on several reported targets, including Lawrence Shankland, who, it emerged on Thursday, has re-signed for Hearts.
Following a disappointing season and the appointment of a new head coach, fans expected proactivity at The Hawthorns.
But so far, they have seen anything but. With the season’s first match against Blackburn rapidly approaching, the time has come for West Brom to act and provide their new man with the tools to hit the ground running.
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