‘Mason to be deciding factor’ as West Brom ready Liverpool transfer battle
Ryan Mason is enjoying a busy summer following his appointment as West Brom boss.
The former Tottenham youth coach is getting his first taste of permanent senior management with the Baggies, and he finds himself walking right into the thick of what will hopefully be a Championship promotion push for his side.
West Brom recently confirmed George Campbell as their third summer signing, as the American makes the move across the Atlantic to bolster the defence at The Hawthorns.
Mason’s priority will likely have been predominantly evolution rather than revolution this summer, but he will still be keen to get a few more new faces through the door before the opening day on 9 August.
Mason will be key as West Brom try to sign James McConnell
West Brom are among the potential suitors for Liverpool youngster James McConnell for next season, according to Lewis Steele via X (21 July).
The Reds starlet has missed their pre-season tour to Asia with a minor injury, but looks set to head out on loan next season, with West Brom, Ipswich and Derby among the interested parties.
The midfielder is highly rated by his parent club, and it is no surprise to see teams queuing up to sign him. There are even sides in Germany who are showing an interest in taking him for the upcoming campaign.
West Brom are arguably not the club who are perhaps best-placed to land McConnell, but they do have a potential ace up their sleeve in Mason himself.
The former Tottenham academy coach has an excellent reputation for his ability to develop young talents, which he honed over the course of several years as part of the coaching setup at Hotspur Way.
His standing within the game could push his side to the forefront of Liverpool’s thinking as a potential option, as they will have no doubt that the 33-year-old will nurture their starlet and give him plenty of opportunities to impress.
McConnell would a great signing for West Brom
West Brom will be hopeful of competing at the top of the Championship next term, and signings like McConnell would certainly help them to achieve that aim.
The 20-year-old is among a group of several Liverpool youngsters who are right on the verge of establishing themselves in the first-team squad at Anfield.
| Competition | Apps |
| FA Cup | 4 |
| Premier League | 3 |
| Europa League | 3 |
| EFL Cup | 2 |
| Champions League | 1 |
He already has both Premier League and Champions League experience, and arguably could have found himself in line for more frequent opportunities last season, had Arne Slot’s side not been so relentless.
The Baggies already boast several impressive youngsters of their own in the likes of Tom Fellows and Isaac Price, and McConnell could fit in perfectly alongside them in Mason’s squad.
They will have to put a compelling case forward to Liverpool if they want to land the starlet, but Mason’s reputation could be enough in itself to hand them a crucial edge.
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