How Lawrence Shankland would fit in at West Brom - It may affect 2 players | OneFootball

West Brom are interested in Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland, and it could impact the way they play under Ryan Mason.

West Brom are set for a busy summer as they look to back new boss Ryan Mason in the transfer market.

The former Spurs chief will be tasked with building a group that can push for promotion, and he will be aware that new players are required to make that happen.

It seems work is going on in the background at The Hawthorns, as Albion have already been linked with a few potential additions - with Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland thought to be a target.

Lawrence Shankland could be low-risk addition for West Brom

The 29-year-old is out of contract with the Edinburgh outfit, so he would be available on a free transfer this summer, which adds to his appeal.

Whilst Mason will hope to get funds to improve the squad, he will also be on the lookout for bargains, and Shankland could fall into that category.

Given his age and experience, the Scotland international is someone you would expect to make an instant impact, and here we outline how his arrival could impact others at The Hawthorns…

Potential partnership with Josh Maja flourishes

Maja’s record this season was very impressive when he was fit, so it’s hard to say that Shankland would be an upgrade on the former Sunderland man.

However, the prospect of the two playing together should excite fans, and it’s a partnership that could work very well.

Even though he is primarily a striker, Shankland had a spell at Hearts playing as a number ten, which demonstrates that he is capable at linking play, and finding space with intelligent movement.

So, he would be effective in a front two, and that would give Albion two natural finishers.

With the likes of Mikey Johnston and Tom Fellows out wide, they will get the ball into the box regularly, and the Baggies could have two goalscoring threats when that happens.

Karlan Grant is shifted out wide permanently

We don’t know what formation Mason will go with yet, but if Shankland does sign for Albion, it’s hard to see Grant getting many opportunities down the middle.

Of course, that’s nothing new for the attacker, as he has played plenty of football down the left flank over the years, and it’s a role he does well.

With Maja, Shankland, and potentially Daryl Dike if he stays fit, Mason will have three strikers who are more suited to the centre-forward position if Mason is playing with one there, as they all offer more with their back to goal.

So, Grant will have to get used to playing from the left, but he could still become an important figure in Mason’s XI if he impresses during pre-season.