Why Nolan Galves may have already been in England for West Brom transfer as latest absence revealed

Nolan Galves has already been in England this month amid rumours of a move to West Bromwich Albion.

The Baggies are said to be in advanced talks for the right-back, who is next on James Morrison's list.

Albion have had a heavy focus on their frontline so far this window, but attention is now turning to their defence.

Though the Black Country Club are said to be advancing in a deal for the Frenchman, Southampton are also at the same stage for a transfer.

The transfer news has put doubt over Danny Imray's possible return to The Hawthorns after a successful loan spell last campaign.

However, it appears that Galves is nearing a departure from Rodez AF, as he could be on his way to West Brom.

Nolan Galves misses pre-season game over transfer move

West Brom News has gathered information that Galves is in advanced discussions to move to The Hawthorns.

It's not known what the fee could be for the 23-year-old, with Southampton also keen on his arrival.

According to Centre Presse Aveyron, Nolan missed Rodez's recent pre-season game against Toulouse on Saturday, despite being announced in the squad on the Friday.

This was not due to injury, but he was deliberately left out because of an impending transfer, with the specific club unknown.

It's said that the player was already in England earlier in July to finalise an agreement, which was not concluded in the end.

Rodez's management did not want to comment on the situation, but did admit that they have received an offer for the player.

It could be that Galves was left out ahead of his potential move to West Brom.

Galves compared to Danny Imray: Who is better?

West Brom always knew that it was going to be difficult to re-sign Imray from Crystal Palace.

Burnley and Wolves are two other clubs that have been credited with interest in the right-back already this summer, with other clubs also keen on the English defender.

Galves managed to get seven assists for Rodez in double the league games that Imray played and got two for Albion.

He also won possession back in the final third 0.16 times more than the former West Brom loanee on average, though he was deployed as a wing-back regularly.

Imray excels with more tackles, interceptions, clearances, and dribbles per 90, and looks the more complete player.

However, he was always going to be tough for the Baggies to land once more, as Galves poses a new talent for Morrison to work with.