Alex Palmer playing for Ipswich Town
Alex PalmerImago

West Brom learn what it'll take to re-sign Alex Palmer as Ipswich get ready to sell

Jacob Raw

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club; Teesside University graduate. FOCUS Long-form opinion and deep-dive content across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Jacob utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, analytical reporting. He provides in-depth opinion and insight to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and into the detail.

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West Bromwich Albion are said to be keen on bringing Alex Palmer back to the club this summer.

Albion's goalkeeping situation has already changed significantly this summer, starting with the departure of Joe Wildsmith.

Josh Griffiths was then sold to Stoke City, as Max O'Leary was kept on with the view of him being the number one for James Morrison.

However, Ipswich Town's promotion means that Palmer's playing time at Portman Road is even further in doubt, sparking interest from the Black Country Club in their former player.

The 29-year-old is on a growing list of shot-stoppers for Gary O'Neil's side, who will surely have to let one keeper leave soon.

West Brom would like to re-sign Palmer, but understand that a deal will come with its financial hurdles.

West Brom learn Alex Palmer's value

There have been suggestions that West Brom could look to sign Palmer after Ipswich's promotion back to the Premier League.

The Tractor Boys now have five keepers on their books after the signings of Kjell Scherpen and Kayne van Oevelen, with Christian Walton and former Baggies man David Button making up the other four.

Walton was ahead of Palmer in the pecking order last season, while Scherpen has been brought to East Anglia to compete with the former as number one.

Palmer could be a realistic departure for Ipswich, and the Daily Mail have reported that the goalkeeper is valued at £3.5million.

Wrexham are have been interested in signing Anthony Patterson from Sunderland, but are now said to be asking about the possibility of signing Palmer.

The Baggies will need to find the finances to pull off a deal, as it could be a possible dealbreaker for Shilen Patel and Co.

Alex Palmer playing for Ipswich Town
Alex Palmer vs Max O'Leary: Stats prove if West Brom should re-sign academy graduate

Why West Brom should choose head over heart with Palmer

West Brom are said to have limited funds this summer.

That said, BIKUL have still shown that they have the ambition, and that finances have not been the be-all and end-all this summer.

But £3.5m for Palmer is steep, and that's without learning of a possible salary increase through promotion.

The Baggies clearly need another shot-stopper behind O'Leary, with Matt Ingram and Joe Wallis the only other back-up options.

However, they should explore a more financially suitable move. A figure of £3.5m could be used to upgrade at least two other positions for Morrison.

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