West Brom are reportedly closing in on the signing of Brighton centre-back Matt Clarke as Valerien Ismael continues to strengthen his squad.
The Lowdown: Ismael makes his mark
The Baggies may have been relegated back to the Championship, but there is confidence in the air ahead of next season.
Ismael has taken over from Sam Allardyce following a great spell at Barnsley, whom he guided to the play-offs in the spring, and he has already brought Tykes midfielder Alex Mowatt with him to The Hawthorns.
The Latest: Clarke linked with West Brom switch
It now looks as though Clarke may be the next player to join the Ismael revolution, with The Daily Mail claiming that a deal is close to being completed.
A £5m deal is mooted for the 24-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Derby County from Brighton, making 42 starts in the Championship.
The Verdict: Good addition for Baggies
While Clarke struggled to make the step up to the Premier League with the Seagulls, failing to even get a game for the south coast club, he could be a solid signing for West Brom ahead of a hopeful promotion push in 2021/22.
He was a strong performer for Derby in 2020/21 despite their struggles, averaging an impressive 4.3 clearances per game in the league, along with 1.4 tackles and interceptions apiece.
Clarke could make the Baggies’ squad even stronger, providing healthy competition for places which will be needed during a taxing 46-match campaign.
In other news, a pundit has urged West Brom to sign one player this summer – find out who it is here.
