Just one day after ending their interest in David Brooks, West Bromwich Albion have been handed a new transfer blow.
It was revealed that Albion will not make a move for the AFC Bournemouth winger, after previous reports suggested he could arrive at The Hawthorns amid rumours Tom Fellows could head to the Premier League. It leaves Nat Phillips as the only senior squad transfer move for the club so far, but have announced a deal for Harrogate Town teenager Jack Bray on a three-year deal.
Striker Search Continues
The Baggies had been linked to Lawrence Shankland over recent weeks but according to Fabrizio Romano, any potential move for the Scottish forward has been scuppered as he has agreed to a new deal at Hearts. With Adam Armstrong returning to Southampton on loan, Ryan Mason’s side were looking for a potential support option for Josh Maja up front.
The forward and the Edinburgh club had reached a stalemate heading into their pre-season plans, with manager Derek McInnes threatening to leave the 29-year-old at home until he decided his future. West Brom were not the only club interested in Shankland, with Al-Ettifaq and Al-Wedha in the Saudi Pro League also reportedly in the race.
The former Aberdeen man tallied 16 goal contributions for the Tynecastle club as they finished 7th in the Scottish Premiership and has been viewed as a potential first-choice striker for his country.
Writers’ View
West Bromwich Albion are now back to square one in their search for a new striker. Lawrence Shankland has decided to continue his association with Hearts of Midlothian and reject the chance to move on. Whilst Daryl Dike and Josh Maja are still on the books for the club going into next season but it seemed that The Baggies were set on a third option this window. Where Albion head next in their striker search will be interesting. Perhaps targeting a younger option to compliment the existing pair will be the best choice and alongside Mikey Johnston and Tom Fellows should he stay, can create a full front line for the future in the West Midlands. It may also explain the interest in Charlie Kelman following his success in League One.
