West Brom braced for more Fellows drama after £40m Everton transfer twist
West Brom are hoping to keep standout talent Tom Fellows at The Hawthorns this summer.
The Baggies have been braced for Premier League interest, but are yet to receive an official bid for the 22-year-old.
Ryan Mason’s numbers in wide areas are already limited, with just Mikey Johnston, Jed Wallace, and Fellows providing natural options.
West Brom had looked to be on the verge of selling Johnston earlier in the summer, but a £5million move to Flamengo ultimately broke down.
Everton could turn attention to Fellows
Everton’s interest in Fellows this summer is well-reported. The Toffees, along with several other Premier League clubs, are tracking the midfielder’s progress.
David Moyes’ squad is in need of a right-sided winger following the exits of Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison, but decision-makers at the Hill Dickinson Stadium looked to have opted for Southampton talent Tyler Dibling.
The 19-year-old was impressive in his breakthrough season for the Saints, catching eyes with electric early-season performances.
And Southampton’s relegation opened a door to the teenager’s departure, with several clubs hoping to secure a cut-price deal.
Getting Dibling out of St Mary’s Stadium has proved a more difficult task than expected, however, with Everton seeing their latest bid, worth around £40m, rejected.
| West Brom – Record sales |
| Salomon Rondon – £15.8m |
| Matheus Pereira – £15.6m |
| Saido Berahino – £12m |
| Nacer Chadli – £10.4m |
And, according to David Ornstein (5 August), the Toffees are now planning to consider other targets, with Southampton’s £50m demands not expected to budge.
That is considered a twist as it looked certain Everton would push ahead with a deal, and the news will prick up ears in the West Midlands, with Fellows likely among Everton’s alternative options.
The midfielder’s 14 Championship assists last season will likely make him an attractive target for the Premier League club, with West Brom unlikely to hold out for anywhere near the proposed price tag for Dibling.
Fellows sale could ultimately prove beneficial
It would undoubtedly hurt to see Fellows leave The Hawthorns this summer. The 22-year-old is West Brom through and through, having been at the club for the entirety of his young career.
But given the Baggies’ financial constraints set by the Profit and Sustainability Rules, the midfielder’s sale could ultimately be beneficial in the long run.
A fee in the region of £20m would free up considerable spending power at The Hawthorns, and allow decision-makers to strengthen Mason’s squad throughout.
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