West Brom news round-up: James McConnell transfer update with exit now likely
West Brom’s pre-season preparations continued on Saturday with a 4-2 defeat to Lincoln City.
Despite the opening game of the Championship being just two weeks away, plenty of transfer business is yet to unfold at The Hawthorns.
Ryan Mason’s side could seal a few more additions by the time their opener against Blackburn Rovers rolls around, as West Brom News rounds up all the latest updates regarding the Albion.
James McConnell transfer caveat revealed
Liverpool youngster McConnell has emerged as a transfer target in recent days for Mason’s outfit.
The 20-year-old would be a valuable addition to the Baggies’ engine room, and Dr Rajpal Brar gave his verdict on the injury that kept the midfielder out of Arne Slot’s pre-season tour.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, Dr Brar said: “He’s currently ruled out with an injury, but it’s said to be a minor one.
“This means that while he may not be at 100 per cent currently, he should still clear his medical.”
West Brom told to keep Cole despite exit talks
Devante Cole has been linked with a move away from West Brom after having an underwhelming season in the Black Country last campaign.
The 30-year-old striker was limited to just 14 appearances off the bench in the league and failed to open his account for the Baggies in the Championship.
Despite this, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie feels West Brom should keep Cole unless a replacement is found for the forward.
Due to the arrival of Aune Heggebo, Cole is likely to slide down the pecking order even further under Mason, meaning a move away seemingly makes sense.
With the striker scoring in pre-season against Lincoln City, Cole has firmly put himself in the shop window as a move away from the Black Country looks likely.
West Brom face competition from Rangers for Mikey Moore
Moore’s name will simply not leave the headlines when it comes to West Brom’s transfer business this summer.
Given Mason’s connections to Tottenham, West Brom have emerged as one of the most likely destinations the young forward could land at on loan.
According to Lilywhite Rose on X (25 July), Celtic and Rangers are also pushing to sign the winger on loan, alongside multiple Championship clubs.
Whilst not being named specifically, the post references that “Scottish Giants”, who may be able to offer Champions League football, are interested in the 17-year-old, heavily implying it is the Old Firm clubs.
West Brom handed Maja boost in pre-season
Despite the Albion losing to Lincoln in pre-season, Josh Maja made an appearance off the bench as the striker continues to build his way back to full fitness before the new campaign.
Maja was the Baggies’ best player last season until his injury troubles, with the Nigerian forward notching 12 goals and two assists.
Alongside Heggebo and Daryl Dike, Mason does not have a shortage of strikers he can choose from to lead the line at The Hawthorns next season.
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