Why Brayann Pereira's arrival could signal change of James Morrison system at West Brom
Brayann Pereira could be a catalyst for change at West Bromwich Albion.
The Baggies are expected to complete a deal for the NEC Nijmegen defender before the 11pm transfer deadline on 1 September.
Bilkul Football have invested in several young players and the 23-year-old could be the 10th signing of the summer at the Albion.
Pereira's arrival would add much-needed reinforcements to the backline at The Hawthorns and could potentially lead James Morrison to change his formation.
The France national can play at right-back and centre-back, but the Black Country outfit could potentially try something different to get the best out of him.
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Why a switch in formation could be on cards at West Brom after Brayann Pereira deal
West Brom are expected to pay £1.2million for Pereira to complete a deadline-busting deal.
With less than a year remaining on the defender's contract at NEC, the Baggies have presented the Eredivisie club with an attractive proposal.
While the Frenchman has primarily played as a centre-back for the Dutch side over the last few seasons, Morrison may not want to play him there in a four at the back, according to Voetbal International journalist Sander Janssen.
The Dutch journalist who has reported on Pereira's move has claimed that the defender plays as one of the three centre-backs for NEC, who mainly utilise a 3-4-2-1 formation.
Under the Eredivisie club's current system, the outer centre-backs can join the attacks.
It looks like Morrison may want to use Pereira as a right-back, or switch to a back three with him in it.
Why James Morrison may need different plan up his sleeve
Middlesbrough were one of West Brom's toughest tests this season and Morrison saw his team lose 3-1 at the Riverside Stadium.
While the Baggies controlled possession, they couldn't create much and showed a lack of quality in the final third.
The 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 formations Morrison has used have worked in certain games, but left the Albion defensively open against Boro.
Switching to a back three could make sense for the Black Country outfit in certain games and Pereira's signing will give the manager another tactical option up his sleeve.