Alex Mowatt's future at West Brom becomes crystal clear amid Alfie Devine latest

Alex Mowatt's future at West Bromwich Albion will be discussed this summer as they enter the running to sign Alfie Devine.

The Baggies are gearing up for a crucial summer transfer window, one where Shilen Patel will need to work hard to ensure James Morrison lands his preferred targets.

West Brom will be looking to pull off shrewd but meaningful signings this summer as they look to comply with the new SCR rules for the first time.

Morrison's side breached PSR rules last season and were docked two points in the midst of their Championship relegation battle, with financial constraints once more for the forthcoming window.

However, the Baggies will still try to do what they can to aid Morrison, as the midfield area will come under the microscope.

West Brom are said to be interested in signing Devine from Tottenham Hotspur, but that could come at the expense of Mowatt.

West Brom will need to sell Alex Mowatt to fund Alfie Devine deal

Devine was on loan at Preston North End last season, and picked up plaudits for his good work under Paul Heckingbottom.

Following Spurs' Premier League survival, the Lilywhites will most likely look to either loan or sell the Englishman this summer, with the latter a stronger possibility.

Preston have activated a £5million buy option in Devine's loan deal, but the player is yet to agree to a deal, with West Brom monitoring the situation.

If the 21-year-old snubs a return to Deepdale, Spurs may put him back on the market, but for a higher price than £5m.

This is where it would make sense for West Brom to cash in on Mowatt to fund a push for Devine, who could be the future of their midfield for years to come.

Mowatt should be moved on this summer

West Brom have started their transfer moves already, opting against handing Daryl Dike, Jed Wallace and Joe Wildsmith new deals, as all three will need to be replaced this window.

However, though their departures free up the wage bill, they don't add money into West Brom's transfer budget.

Unless the Black Country Club want to sell either of Isaac Price or Mikey Johnstone, their next best sellable asset is arguably Mowatt.

It feels like the central midfielder's time has come to a natural end at The Hawthorns, and it should be this summer that both parties seek a new start, for different reasons.

Albion's reason is Devine, and selling Mowatt may be key to getting him.