Everything good and bad about West Brom's decision to sell Josh Griffiths to Stoke

West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Josh Griffiths looks set to leave for Stoke City.

The 24-year-old has been linked with an exit from The Hawthorns in the last few weeks and a move is now accelerating.

BBC WM's Steve Hermon claimed on Monday that the academy graduate is close to sealing the move away from his boyhood club to the Potters.

Griffiths has made 45 appearances for his boyhood club, conceding 65 goals and keeping 11 clean sheets.

He now looks set to end his near 15-year association with the Throstles, and move on to pastures new.

West Brom News examines all the good and the bad for the Baggies, amid the latest on Griffiths' departure.

What are the good things about Josh Griffiths' potential West Brom sale?

While the potential fee has not been revealed, it will be pure profit for the Baggies.

That will allow them to reinvest in the transfer market and strengthen James Morrison's squad.

Much work is needed on that front, so any funds that help their Profit and Sustainability position and boost the coffers is good.

Another positive is the fact that he was not a starter anyway, as his place in the side was taken by Max O'Leary.

He had been handed a chance by Ryan Mason, but ultimately did not show enough.

Therefore, it is a solid piece of business from Albion, if they can rake in a few million for his services.

What are the bad things about Griffiths' departure?

The bad part about the deal is the fact that there is few academy players in the current squad.

Supporters have seen players who came through the ranks, like Alex Palmer and Tom Fellows sold to ease the financial pressure.

Losing another graduate in Griffiths will sting the fanbase as he is one of their own, joining at the age of 10.

Another negative element of the deal is the fact that Stoke could be a rival next season.

They finished just four place above Morrison's side in 17th-place, so they could strengthen someone who could be around them when the campaign concludes.

Finally, the goalkeeping situation behind O'Leary does not exactly provide confidence.

Joe Wildsmith departed on a free transfer, leaving youngsters Joe Wallis and Ben Cisse as back-ups behind the Irishman.

Unless they bring in a new number two, it is a worrying development if the starter gets injured or suspended.