Eight free agents West Brom could sign this summer - including Premier League stalwart and £25m West Ham ace

West Brom’s next transfer window is vital as they look to kickstart a new era under their next manager and move closer to earning promotion back to the Premier League.

The Baggies are yet to appoint a new head coach to replace Tony Mowbray with the search still ongoing, but that doesn’t mean transfer business is already being considered. Albion may have to be clever with their dealings as they don’t have a huge transfer budget to splash, but there are plenty of players who could be brought in on loan or on free transfers.

Birmingham World revealed at the weekend that Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Jamie Donley is under consideration for a possible straight season-long loan. Shortlists are also understood to be being drawn up for potential signings at goalkeeper, centre-back, right-back, central midfield and striker.

With so much competition for signings in all of those positions, and with the clubs being relegated from the Premier League so superior with their budgets, West Brom could be best off utilising the free agents’ market. There will be competition there, too, but the deals will at least be without transfer fees, giving the Baggies an opportunity to spend big elsewhere.

Eight free agents West Brom could sign

There are dozens of players being released by Premier League and Championship clubs this summer, with their contracts expiring on June 30. Of those, Birmingham World has picked out eight who could realistically pick the Baggies as their next club.

Two players, both central defenders, could reunite with West Brom this summer as Craig Dawson and Jonny Evans see their deals expire at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United. The veterans are coming towards the ends of their careers but could still offer something, especially if they were to drop down to Championship level.

Staying in the Premier League but heading to the opposite end of the field, Albion could attempt an audacious swoop for West Ham United striker Danny Ings. The former England international, who once cost Aston Villa £25 million to sign from Southampton, has netted 72 goals in 240 career English top-tier appearances. Ings’ wages could perhaps be an issue but he may be convinced to lower his expectations if guaranteed a starting spot.

It won’t be possible if Southampton renew his contract upon their relegation to the Championship, but, as it stands, central defender Jack Stephens is set to leave St Mary’s Stadium. The 31-year-old could provide some experience at centre-half and his capability to play at right-back or in defensive midfield could be useful.

From a relegated team to a side chasing Europe, and Fulham are expected to say farewell to captain Tom Cairney at the end of the campaign. The 34-year-old Scottish midfielder’s career is definitely winding down, but he could have another season in him in the Championship.

Harry Toffolo is the final player we believe could swap the Premier League for West Brom. The versatile midfielder, one of the best players in the second tier when he helped Huddersfield Town to the play-off final three years ago, has played a bit part at Nottingham Forest this season. Birmingham World has encouraged this move in the past; it awaits to be seen if Albion would be keen.

Now to West Brom’s Championship rivals, Blackburn Rovers and Swansea City. Both clubs are expected to lose key players this summer as they look on to pastures new, with winger Tyrhys Dolan yet to sign a new contract at Ewood Park and central defender Harry Darling reaching the end of his Swans deal.

Dolan, who can play on either flank or as a centre-forward, has contributed seven goals and six assists in 44 Championship matches this season. The 23-year-old could be a great versatile option for West Brom to consider, especially as depth in attack is of great need.

Darling, meanwhile, is wanted by Albion’s local rivals Birmingham City but a move to The Hawthorns may be marginally more attractive. Blues would likely offer more money but game time would strangely be more secure with the Baggies as Birmingham already have a plethora of centre-back options.

Would you like to see any of these free agents join West Brom? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.