Heggem exit update at West Brom could be good news for Sunderland

West Brom could lose Torbjorn Heggem before the season starts.

All of the focus at The Hawthorns is on incoming business ahead of their return to Championship action, though it can't be overlooked how important the future of those currently in the Midlands is.

Several players have been linked with an exit from West Brom, including Norwegian defender Heggem.

The 26-year-old was a key figure for the Baggies last season, and the hope will be that they can keep him at The Hawthorns for the foreseeable future, though if not, it could benefit Sunderland.

Heggem could unlock new Sunderland transfer

The Black Cats have been mooted as a potential landing spot for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, with several other European teams also in the race for his signature.

With Heggem linked with a move to Bologna, the Norwegian's arrival could unlock that transfer.

As for Albion, they will not want to lose Heggem at all this summer, let alone one week before their Championship campaign gets underway.

The Norwegian has certainly done enough to warrant a new contract at West Brom, and the links connecting him with an exit might accelerate those plans.

West Brom must add players, not lose them

While Albion will be keen to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Brighton and perhaps Sunderland themselves, selling isn't always the answer.

There comes a time when you need to sell your best players to reinvest, but that certainly shouldn't be on their minds with the new campaign imminent.

Heggem will be crucial to West Brom's chances of having a good Championship season, and any offers should be rebuffed unless they prove to be too good to turn down.

At a rumoured price of £10million, that time is certainly not upon us yet.

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