West Brom ‘moving closer’ to first January transfer as fresh Sunderland claim emerges

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly closing in on the signing of Bristol City attacking midfielder Andreas Weimann on a six-month loan, with the versatile Taylor Gardner-Hickman set to seal a permanent move to Ashton Gate in return.

Carlos Corberan's request to sign a new forward before the weekend was unsuccessful but Albion aren't too far behind that deadline. Bristol Post reports Weimann is expected to be confirmed as a West Brom player in the next 24 hours, with the Austrian departing Bristol City after a five-and-a-half-year stint.

Weimann heads to The Hawthorns temporarily but he won't return to Ashton Gate as his contract there expires in June of this year. Once an out-and-out centre forward, the 32-year-old has now dropped back a little and is capable of playing anywhere across attacking midfield – or on the flank.

Vastly experienced in English football having played for Aston Villa, Watford, Derby County, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bristol City, Weimann should be able to bring some leadership skills to the dressing room.

Weimann has only scored one goal this season but he was more clinical last campaign as he scored six and assisted five. The former Austria international's 2021/22 term was seriously impressive as he netted 22 and assisted 10 in 46 matches.

Meanwhile, West Brom race Sunderland to West Ham's Mubama

In other transfer news, the Baggies are set to race fellow Championship play-off chasers Sunderland to the signing of West Ham United youngster Divin Mubama. The Daily Mail reports both Albion and the Black Cats have expressed an interest in signing the 19-year-old.

Everton are also keen as Mubama's contract at London Stadium expires in June. West Ham are not interested in letting the attacker leave on loan, meaning any potential suitor will have to either wait until the summer or pay a cut-price fee to secure him this month.

Mubama, who has played 419 senior minutes for the Hammers and scored one goal, netted 56 goals in 88 appearances at Under-21 and Under-18 level.