Torbjorn Heggem availability v Blackburn revealed as West Brom ready for last-ditch exit
Torbjorn Heggem’s future at West Brom has come under plenty of speculation in the last few weeks.
The Norwegian was largely excellent at the heart of the defence for the Baggies last time out, and he established himself as one of their most important players.
West Brom have been facing sustained interest in Heggem from Serie A side Bologna, but their asking price of £8.6million is understood to have been a sticking point in the deal so far.
The centre back is a player who Ryan Mason would surely looked to have relied upon in the early stages of his reign, but it remains unclear as to how much time he has left in B71.
West Brom to have Heggem available v Blackburn ahead of potential late transfer
West Brom have received a recent boost regarding Heggem’s future, with the news that Bologna have now turned their attention towards Venezia’s Fali Cande as a possible alternative.
The West Midlands outfit’s asking price seems to be doing an effective job of warding off the interest for the time being, but it doesn’t look as though they have seen the last of the Italian giants.
There remains no deal agreed between West Brom and Bologna at this moment in time, according to BBC West Midlands’ Steve Hermon via X (6 August).
The journalist adds that Heggem looks likely to be available for the opening game of the Championship season against Blackburn on Saturday (9 August).
However, it is also understood that the interest from Bologna hasn’t faded at all, which could still see a deal take place in the late stages of the window.
Mason will continue to play Heggem for now at least
Heggem is a key player for West Brom, and Mason will be desperate to keep him beyond the end of the transfer window.
The new boss will be keen to get off to a good start in his first managerial job in senior football, and a large part of that may involve leaning on the likes of the Norwegian, who was such a big influence on the team last season.
Regardless of the continued uncertainty surrounding the 26-year-old, it would still be a huge surprise to see Mason leave him out of the starting XI for the first few games.
He will undoubtedly continue to assess Heggem’s situation as the transfer window nears its close, but for now at least, it should be business as usual for the pair.
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