West Brom interested in transfer for top flight centre-back | OneFootball

The Baggies have been linked with a move for FC Sion defender Gora Diouf.

West Brom are “particularly interested” in signing FC Sion defender Gora Diouf, as they ramp up plans to kickstart their summer transfer window business.

According to Africa Foot, the Baggies are in contact with the 21-year-old, who is out of contract this summer at the Swiss outfit, but face stiff competition from a number of Turkish clubs for his signature.

The Baggies are still reeling from missing out on the play-offs after a disastrous run of form under Tony Mowbray, which saw the 61-year-old relieved of his duties and replaced by club icon James Morrison for their final two games of the campaign against Cardiff City and Luton Town.

It is set to be a summer of change at The Hawthorns, with various first-team figures set to depart the club on the expiry of their contracts, while a new manager still needs appointing and restrictions surrounding Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) remain for owner Shilen Patel to contend with.

But it appears some transfer plans are already under way, with the Baggies rumoured to be considering strengthening their defensive line to help bolster the squad and help see the team remain competitive for a charge towards the top end of the second tier table.

West Brom keen on Gora Diouf addition from FC Sion

As West Brom prepare for their fifth straight season in the Championship, they will be keen on building a side good enough to once again compete for a top six place, and have got their eyes set on FC Sion defender Gora Diouf to get their summer business rolling.

The report by Africa Foot states that Diouf, who currently plays his football in Switzerland, is close to leaving the club upon as his current deal ticks down, with West Brom one of a number of sides keen to secure his services on a free transfer.

It is reported FC Sion will find it difficult to keep hold of Diouf as he isn’t willing to agree an extension, and Albion are believed to have contacted the defender’s entourage to begin discussions.

Meanwhile, Africa Foot lists that Turkish sides Trabzonspor and Samsunspor are rivalling the Baggies in their pursuit. Both clubs are believed to have made concrete offers, meaning West Brom will have to act quickly to put themselves in the driving seat in the race.

The Senegalese defender is expected to be involved in intense discussions before deciding his future, as the defender gets ready to play his final two games for the club against Grasshoppers and FC Winterthur.

West Brom correct to identify central defender acquisition

If there’s one area West Brom need to really improve in, it’s the central defensive department.

Semi Ajayi is set to depart the club on a free transfer after two hamstring injuries scuppered the majority of the campaign, while Caleb Taylor is set to return from a successful loan period with Wycombe Wanderers.

An additional defender would mean the Black Country outfit has four options to rotate with, which will be particularly important given the club were badly hampered with issues in that area last season.

Meanwhile, Kyle Bartley appeared to run out of steam during the final run-in, and at the age of 33, hasn’t proven that he can start regularly for the next relentless 46-game slog.

From this, Albion are in the need to find a new partner for Torbjorn Heggem, who was a revelation last term for the Baggies in his opening season at the club, which saw him scoop West Brom’s Players and Supporters' Player of the Season awards.

Heggem is someone West Brom must build the team around, and a young, up-and-coming central defender is sure to tick all the right boxes.

Despite being unproven in England, Heggem showed that he could adapt to Championship life almost instantaneously, and there’s no reason Diouf wouldn’t be able to do the same given Bilkul’s already impressive track record of recruiting overseas prospects.