'Bid accepted' - West Brom progress in £5m race for ex-Sunderland and West Ham target

It’s a two-horse race between West Brom and Luton after Middlesbrough reportedly accepted £5 million offers from the pair for versatile winger Isaiah Jones.

Sky Sports reports both the Baggies and the Hatters have been granted full permission to speak to Jones. Although both bids - including add-ons - are identical, Luton are said to be the preferred destination for the player.

Talks are expected to get underway in the coming hours with Jones in full control of his destiny. West Brom, just like Boro, would likely offer play-off football at the end of the campaign but minutes would be more guaranteed at surprise relegation battlers Luton.

Linked with Sunderland and West Ham United in previous transfer windows, Jones is desirable due to his versatility as both a winger and wing-back. The 25-year-old was a regular starter for Boro for three consecutive campaigns but he’s fallen down the pecking order this term, often being utilised as an impact substitute.

Six times a full Guyana international, Jones is a Middlesbrough academy product and he’s only ever left the club on loan in the past. This transfer window is different, however, as Michael Carrick is willing to cash in – notably allowing the player to join direct rivals in the Championship.

Where would Isaiah Jones fit in at West Brom?

The Baggies are still looking for a new manager two weeks on from Carlos Corberan’s departure but that hasn’t stopped them from being active in the transfer market. As the likes of Tom Fellows, Karlan Grant, Mikey Johnston and Grady Diangana have been run into the ground at times this season, improved depth in wide areas is desired.

Jed Wallace is of course an experienced and creative option off the bench but the former Millwall man lacks the pace Albion often crave late on in matches. Jones would provide exceptional speed and he possesses great one-on-one skills, as well as a decent work rate to help in both boxes.

End product hasn’t exactly been Jones’ strong suit throughout his career but he upped his levels last campaign, returning eight goals and four assists in 35 Championship appearances. That was by far his best attacking output, though he’s been unable to kick on with zero direct goal contributions so far in 2024/25.