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    WEST BROM ON ALERT AS CLUBS QUEUE TO SEAL TRANSFER ACCORDING TO REPORTS

Posted on September 17, 2022  in Stoke

West Brom are among a host of clubs on transfer alert to sign Brighton defender Matt Clarke this summer, according to the Stoke Sentinel. The online outlet has reported on its website that clubs are alerted to the defender’s availability, with a loan or even a permanent move now on the cards. Stoke are the other named side in the race for the Seagulls enforcer, who spent the 2021-22 season on loan at The Hawthorns in a disappointing campaign.

Steve Bruce has already refused to rule out another move for Clarke, though, as he clearly impressed during his time at the club, despite being signed by Valerien Ismael. The Stoke Sentinel has cast doubt over that though after the Baggies kicked off their Championship season with a back four in the 1-1 draw against Middles brough. They report that the Albion are currently well stocked in that area with Dara O’Shea, Semi Ajayi and Kyle Bartley, although that could all change.

Injuries change everything, as we found out last season. Having three available central defenders is far from being well stocked, especially in the Championship, with Kena Bryan not precisely a valid option right now. Cedric Kipre has moved to Cardiff on loan for the season after a terrible last season, and of course, shined in their opening day in a win over relegated Norwich. Bringing Clarke back in would be a brilliant signing, he knows the club from his time here and proved that he has all of the ability to shine once again.

Even if a permanent move is deemed too costly right now, a loan-to-buy would certainly make sense with Brighton clearly not interested in keeping him around. Bruce and Ron Gourlay need to be ready to pounce, and if they do, surely they will win that race against someone like Stoke at this moment in time.

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