West Brom transfer saga could end today as Barnsley part-exchange ruled out

According to the Express & Star, the Baggies are 'closing in' on a permanent deal for Styles. A deal could be concluded as early on Friday, and that would make him their ninth signing of the summer with the two clubs in advanced talks.

In the E&S report, they say Styles was a target for both Carlos Corberan and head of football operations Ian Pearce. His versatility is something that made him a top target as not only can he play in central midfield but also as a left-sided winger, which is where Corberan has wanted more depth.

Styles, 23-time Hungarian international who played at EURO 2024, has been linked with a move to the Hawthorns since the start of the month, with Birmingham City previously keen. A fortnight ago it was reported by Sky Sports that an offer from West Brom had been rejected, but now they've seemingly got a breakthrough.

Before West Brom made a breakthrough, it was suggested by The Sun's EFL journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon that striker Mo Faal could potentially be a part of the deal, but that isn’t the case. Faal will stay put at The Hawthorns, having made an appearance against Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup earlier this month. The 21-year-old was an unused substitute against QPR but wasn't included in the squad last week against Leeds United.

As for Styles, the 24-year-old hasn't made an appearance for Barnsley yet this term. He held conversations with manager Darrell Clarke in July, and now both sides are closer to reaching an amicable solution.

Asked on Thursday about Styles, Clarke said to the Yorkshire Post: "It’s an ongoing saga, I’ll be a lot happier man when we have got the players we need to get in and the players out and we know where we stand.

"It’s been a very frustrating period for myself and everyone at the club, to be honest, because we haven’t done the business we’ve needed to get done yet and it’s obviously ongoing, but everyone is working at their max to make sure that gets done. I understand that.

"Yes, there is big interest (in Styles) and there’s been a couple of bids, so we will see how things digest through the period and the rest of this week.”