'Really good signing' - West Brom told to snap up free agent this summer by pundit

West Brom boss Ryan Mason will want to put his own stamp on his newly inherited squad this summer. He has been appointed as their head coach ahead of next season. The 33-year-old, who has been picked as Tony Mowbray’s replacement, has penned a three-year deal at the Hawthorns.

Mason spent his playing career with Tottenham Hotspur and Hull City before retiring in 2016 due to a head injury. He has since delved into the coaching world and has taken on his first number one role with the Baggies. The ex-midfielder has been working in Spurs’ backroom staff over recent times.

West Brom urged to sign Lawrence Shankland

West Brom have been urged to make a move for Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland this summer by pundit Lee Hendrie. They have been linked with a swoop for the Scottish Premiership hotshot. He is out of contract at the end of the month and is due to become a free agent.

Hendrie has said, as per a report by Football League World: “I think the Baggies are in a situation where they aren’t able to spend a lot of money to bring players into the football club, which is why they’ve been standing still for quite some time. He’s (Shankland) been key and instrumental at Hearts, scoring lots of goals. Some might say the step-up to the Championship is very similar in comparison to the Scottish league.

“They have to bring in a fresh identity, which is an area they’ve struggled with in the centre-forward role. They haven’t been able to bring someone in who can score goals consistently. He is someone who can play as an attacking midfielder and through the middle, so he’d probably be a really good signing for West Brom, not that I’ve seen a lot of him, but goals speak volumes and that’s what West Brom need.”

Would Lawrence Shankland suit West Brom?

West Brom wouldn’t have to pay a transfer fee to get Shankland out of Hearts which would be a boost. That would free up funds to move for other reinforcements. If he joined the Baggies, he would give them more competition and depth up top.

Shankland, 29, has proved he can score goals above the border but has never played in England before. Therefore, it would be a slight risk to sign someone who isn’t proven. However, on a free transfer he is probably worth a gamble and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him in the Championship in the next campaign.

The Scotland international, who has made 19 caps so far for his country, joined Hearts back in 2022. He has had spells in the past with the likes of Queen’s Park, Aberdeen, Ayr United and Dundee United. The Glasgow-born man has scored 67 goals in 136 matches for his current club, eight of which came last term.

West Brom will be linked with a host of different players over the next couple of months. They cut ties with Grady Diangana, Semi Ajayi and John Swift recently. That means they have some vacancies to fill.