‘Scouted for years’ - West Brom hijacking Rangers masterplan for £1m transfer target

West Bromwich Albion have reportedly entered the race to sign LASK left-back George Bello ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Baggies are eager to add depth and quality on the left side of defence and Bello, a long-term target for Rangers, is on the shortlist. Callum Styles has done a decent job for West Brom since joining from Barnsley last summer but has lacked consistency at times, so the club are considering their options.

Football Insider reports Bello is a serious option as West Brom have been keeping close tabs on his progress in Austria. The former United States international has just 13 months left on his current contract and LASK are said to value him at merely £1 million.

Albion could certainly afford to make an official approach, then, but it won’t be completely straightforward as Rangers hold a strong interest. The report states that the Scottish Premiership giants have been scouting Bello for three years and are expected to finally make their move.

Considering the competition, West Brom would need to do well to persuade Bello that their project is the correct one. Albion are still managerless but that could be part of the sell; a new era at the football club could bring fresh optimism and expectation — and the club could perhaps shift a step closer to returning to the Premier League.

Bello has never played in England but he’s had experience playing near the top level as he’s featured six times each in the Europa League and Europa Conference League so far in his career. He’s also made seven appearances for his nation, though he hasn’t featured in US colours since 2022.

How would George Bello fit in at West Brom?

Bello, formerly of Atalanta United and Arminia Bielefeld, has been a consistent starter for LASK since joining two years ago. Athletic, physical and quick, the 23-year-old is predominantly a left-back but is also capable of playing a little further forward at left midfield.

Styles possesses similar versatility but is perhaps a little lightweight at times. Bello could offer a more physical presence on the left side and the pair could rotate with one another to ensure Albion keep their lineup as fresh as possible during busy periods.

Bello, who turns 24 next January, is yet to reach his full potential, so Albion could help him develop. The defender is used to dealing with pressure, too, as he featured in the MLS Cup play-offs for Atalanta and the Bundesliga 2 relegation play-offs for Bielefeld.

Bringing in Bello could also free up Player of the Season winner Torbjorn Heggem to feature in his more natural centre-half role more often. Heggem did well when filled in as an auxiliary left-back regularly when Styles was injured or suspended, but the Norwegian tends to operate best in the middle. Albion also look far more assured defensively when Heggem is at the heart of the team.

In other news, West Brom could end their attacking woes with a shock swoop for a Newcastle United star.