West Brom could sign a Crystal Palace star in a transfer blow for Sheffield United.

West Bromwich Albion are in the market for a new winger following Grady Diangana’s departure and there could be the perfect option-in-waiting.

Ryan Mason is out in Austria getting to grips with his squad in what is the start of his first pre-season as West Brom head coach. Two new signings - Nathaniel Phillips from Liverpool and Aune Heggebø from Brann - are beginning to settle in and there are bound to be more fresh faces coming through the doors at The Hawthorns shortly.

There are several areas of the squad which need addressing following not only Diangana’s exit but also those of John Swift, Semi Ajayi and Tedd Cann. Albion have replaced Ajayi with Phillips - and the strike force has been reinforced by Heggebø’s arrival - but successors to Diangana and Swift are yet to be acquired.

West Brom could hijack Sheffield United swoop for winger

To address the lack of depth out wide, Birmingham World believes Albion should target a player who has already proven his capability at Championship level. Linked with the Baggies’ second-tier rivals Southampton and Sheffield United, Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi could be a shrewd addition.

The 22-year-old was on loan at Sheffield United last season and is being eyed for a potential permanent move to Bramall Lane, as per the Daily Record. Southampton and Rangers have also been credited with interest, though it’s not too late for Albion to try and compete for his signature if they wish to do so.

The report from the Daily Record suggests Palace are seeking around £10 million to let Rak-Sakyi leave this summer. That may sound like a lot, but the England Under-21 international was in the top 15 per cent of all Championship wingers last season (per 90 minutes) for goals, successful dribbles and touches in the opposition box. Those metrics prove he’s a tricky customer for defenders and a possible game-changer.

Why Rak-Sakyi to West Brom makes sense

With Diangana’s departure finalised and academy product Tom Fellows attracting Premier League interest, West Brom need a new direct winger, simply put. Rak-Sakyi could be a great fit as he loves to take on defenders and is blisteringly quick on the ball. He’s already played in the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations likely to be deployed by Mason, too.

Rak-Sakyi excelled on loan at Charlton Athletic in League One two years ago, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 43 appearances. His pace, dribbling, and finishing translate well to the Championship, as shown on loan at Sheffield United last term, where he has scored seven goals and made two assists in 34 appearances.

Although it may be tempting to rejoin the Blades, Rak-Sakyi only started in 22 of his 35 Championship appearances last term and could be rotated heavily again. Albion may be able to offer more guaranteed starts than Sheffield United, helping Rak-Sakyi shift closer to his full potential. Albeit not a move officially speculated just yet, it could make great sense.

Meanwhile, read on for the latest on Mikey Johnston to Flamengo as £5 million transfer saga takes new twist.