Exclusive: West Brom told the only condition that should see them let Devante Cole leave - "he should be staying" | OneFootball

The forward failed to score for West Brom last season

West Bromwich Albion are about to embark on their first campaign with Ryan Mason as manager.

The Baggies finished ninth in the Championship last term, which doesn’t match up with their ambitions of returning to the Premier League.

Mason has added striker Aune Heggebo to his ranks, which has led to questions over the future of some of his squad’s other attackers.

It was recently revealed by Darren Witcoop that Devante Cole is likely to leave the Hawthorns as a result, after just one year in the Black Country.

The 30-year-old made just 14 appearances in the second-tier for West Brom last term, none of which were starts.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder, Lee Hendrie, believes that Mason and Co. could be making a mistake letting Cole leave this summer.

Lee Hendrie weighs in on Devante Cole’s West Brom future

“Devante Cole could be a really key decision for West Brom,” stated Hendrie. “When you look at West Brom's squad, it's very light in that area.

“When you look at all the talk and rumours, the possibility of him leaving the club does look high and likely that it's going to happen.

“I don't know about it. I think Ryan Mason will be looking at what strength they've got in forward areas.

“You do feel that having more players who can adapt will benefit them. I just think that Cole has got lots of potential to produce.

“But whether this move actually happens, and is it right for both parties? I think he should be staying at the football club, unless they've got an immediate replacement for him.”

A West Brom exit could be best for Devante Cole

Cole arrived at the Hawthorns as quite an exciting addition, after netting 34 goals in his previous two League One campaigns with Barnsley.

However, the 30-year-old never really got going with the Baggies and couldn’t show what he could do under the four managers who took charge of the club last term.

With Mason bringing in Heggebo to compete with Josh Maja, it seems unlikely that Cole has a route into the starting 11, with all signs now pointing towards an exit.

Moving on to pastures new would provide the striker with regular football once more, which is exactly what he needs at this point in his career.

His flying form with the Tykes has proven that Cole deserves a run in a Championship outfit. A team lower down in the second-tier pecking order could take a gamble on the forward this window, potentially for a cut-price deal if West Brom are looking to sell.

If injected with some new confidence, Cole’s goals could prove to be crucial for sides scrapping it out for Championship survival next term.