West Brom are set for a busy summer transfer window, and EFL Analysis understands they’re pushing hard to beat Southampton to the signature of one highly-rated star.
The Baggies are one of several Championship teams looking for a new manager following the completion of the 2024/25 season.
West Brom sacked Tony Mowbray in April after failing to make the Championship play-offs, with James Morrison placed in temporary charge of the Midlands club.
Although they’re still no closer to appointing the 61-year-old’s successor, we exclusively revealed that West Brom like the profile of Ryan Mason, who is currently the assistant coach at Tottenham Hotspur.
Mason is a genuine candidate to replace Mowbray at the Hawthorns, and while their managerial situation is waiting to be resolved, they are already pushing to make their first summer signing.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
West Brom battling Southampton to sign Hearts defender James Penrice
As per information from our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that West Brom want to sign Hearts left-back James Penrice.
Championship rivals Southampton and Watford are also looking to secure his signature, but we’re told that Baggies Director of Sport Ian Pearce is pushing to win the race for Penrice.
The Scottish giants are already looking for alternatives in the market, and as we shared earlier this month, Lincoln City left-back Sean Roughan is on Hearts’ radar.
What West Brom fans need to know about Penrice
A new left-back is a position of priority for West Brom heading into the summer. Callum Styles was predominantly used in that role last term, with the versatile operator arguably better as a midfielder.
The signing of Penrice, though, would alleviate their lack of depth in that position. He made 46 appearances in all competitions for Hearts in 2024/25, including five starts in the Europa Conference League.
Hearts finished seventh in the Scottish Premiership after coming third in the season prior, seeing a dramatic tumble down the table, yet the 26-year-old was a shining light in defence.
Penrice scored twice and laid on seven assists in all competitions, telling of the ammunition he provides down the left flank.
The Livingston-born star, who has amassed over 100 appearances in Scotland’s top divisions, is perhaps ready to step up to the demands of English football.
It will be interesting to see whether West Brom sign Penrice, as a new manager is inarguably more important before additions are made.