West Brom's Championship rivals confirm three-year agreement as ex-Albion man ‘closing in’ on transfer

Former Manchester United midfielder and now Boro head coach Michael Carrick has committed his long-term future, signing a new three-year contract to remain at Riverside Stadium until June 2027.

Middlesbrough, likely to be direct rivals to West Brom in next campaign’s top-six battle, will be buoyant as Carrick is at the centre of the club’s ambitious plans. The North Yorkshire side want to go one step better after finishing eighth last campaign, four points outside the play-off positions.

Leeds United are bound to be in the title fight alongside the recently relegated Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United. Two of those teams will probably be in the fight for the top six if they fail to achieve automatic promotion, promising yet another incredibly competitive year.

West Brom, who finished fifth but were beaten by the eventually promoted Southampton in the play-off semi-finals, will be keen to have another crack at going up. The Baggies are confident Carlos Corberan will remain at The Hawthorns this summer despite interest from Leicester City and Burnley.

Meanwhile, former Albion man set for huge transfer

In other West Brom news, former Albion defender Tosin Adarabioyo is expected to join Champions League hopefuls Chelsea on a free transfer. The 26-year-old, who played 36 times for the Baggies on loan from Manchester City in 2018/19, is set to leave Fulham upon the expiration of his contract this month.

Adarabioyo, a regular starter for the Cottagers throughout the past four seasons, won’t have to travel far as Stamford Bridge is merely a stone’s throw from Craven Cottage. The central defender, set for a pay increase, is likely to play more of a squad player role under incoming Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca.