Brighton twist emerges over Tom Fellows amid West Brom exit talk
West Brom look set to keep hold of Tom Fellows until at least the end of the season as Brighton and Everton remain interested, according to Simon Jones.
Jones reported via the Mail Online live transfer blog (3 February, 17:27) that Fellows is admired by both Premier League clubs with Everton having made a late enquiry, but the winger now looks likely to stay.
The England Under-21 ace has been a revelation this season with 10 Championship assists, and Albion have stood firm on their stance of selling him in the winter window.
Brighton are expected to advance on their interest this summer by returning to West Brom with a potential bid, while Alan Nixon had reported (3 February) that the player was even on his way to Everton for a medical.
"Everton made a late enquiry for West Brom winger Tom Fellows but he looks set to finish the season at the Hawthorns," Jones said.
"Brighton are keen on signing the 21-year-old but most likely in the summer."
West Brom set to keep Fellows until summer
West Brom were always braced for interest in Fellows, especially leading into the last knockings of the window.
The winger has been a huge contributor and still leads on assists in the Championship this season, with a feeling among several Premier League clubs that he would immediately improve their side.
Fees being bandied about in the region of £10million are scandalous in this market for the Baggies. A near-deadline move for a fee barely worthy of replacing him adequately will have appeared insulting to the board at The Hawthorns, especially as they hold the wide man on a contract until 2027.
Brentford were said to be another admirer (The Sun, 30 January) of the Albion academy graduate, who has already played well over 100 senior career matches.
However, Tony Mowbray's side know they have a huge battle on their hands to keep Fellows any longer than beyond the summer should they fail to achieve promotion, as clubs circle in the belief they can grab a bargain.
In other West Brom news, why a prospective move for striker Adam Armstrong ebbed away.