West Brom man emerges as transfer 'target' for Derby County

West Brom have turned to Ryan Mason as their new manager this summer. He was picked as their replacement for Tony Mowbray. The 34-year-old left Tottenham Hotspur and penned a three-year deal at The Hawthorns.

Mason, who retired from playing in 2016, will be looking to prove himself in his first ever managerial role. The Baggies have the chance to bring in some signings in this window. They also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door.

West Brom attacker Karlan Grant eyed by Derby County

West Brom attacker Karlan Grant has emerged as a ‘target’ for Derby County, as detailed in a report by TEAMtalk. The Baggies have a decision to make regarding the future of the forward. Ex-Birmingham City boss John Eustace is apparently keen on luring him to Pride Park.

Grant, 27, signed for his current club back in 2020. He has since made 145 appearances in all competitions and has scored 31 goals, seven of which came in the last campaign. The ex-England youth international was loaned out to Cardiff City a couple of years ago as well.

The London-born man rose up through the academy ranks at Charlton Athletic and was a regular at various different youth levels. He was loaned out as a youngster to Cambridge United and Crawley Town in the Football League to get some experience under his belt. The Addicks then handed him regular first-team football and he went on to play 98 matches, finding the net on 21 occasions.

Huddersfield Town came calling in 2018 when they were in the Premier League during his first year in Yorkshire. He made 57 outings for the Terriers and fired 23 goals, 19 of which came in the Championship. West Brom swooped in five years ago and he has been with them since.

What now for Karlan Grant at West Brom?

West Brom will be weighing up what to do next with Grant. He currently provides competition and depth up top. His contract expires next year though and they risk losing him for free if they don’t sell him now or in January, assuming he doesn’t pen an extension anytime soon.

Derby could see him as someone to boost their attacking department. They stayed up on the final day of last term and were too close to the drop zone for comfort. The Rams have already snapped up Carlton Morris from Luton Town recently.

After signing Grant for West Brom, former Technical & Sporting Director Luke Dowling said: “We have followed Karlan’s progression for a long time and he has been a target of ours since well before the summer transfer window opened. We are confident we have signed a young player who has proved he is ready for the challenges of the Premier League. He has scored goals throughout his career including the few months he had with Huddersfield at this level two years ago.

“During this window we have largely focussed on bringing in talented, young players, who have all committed to the club with lengthy contracts, and Karlan is one we are particularly delighted to have here for the foreseeable future.”