West Bromwich Albion are leading the race to sign Derby County captain Tom Lawrence.
What’s the latest?
According to Football League World, West Brom are in pole position to sign Lawrence after a report from the Daily Record revealed that Rangers have downplayed reports linking them with the player.
The Baggies have been strongly linked with the forward recently but reportedly face competition from Watford and Sheffield United, as well as Gers, for his signature.
However, they have now been handed a huge boost with it now appearing as if the Scottish club aren’t pursuing a deal.
Imagine him & Dike
With his contract set to expire, it wouldn’t be too difficult to persuade Lawrence to move across the Midlands and link up with Steve Bruce’s side.
If he does move to The Hawthorns then one player he will be featuring alongside is Daryl Dike. The USA international joined West Brom in January from MLS side Orlando City after impressing during a previous loan spell at fellow Championship side Barnsley.
Can Tom Lawrence and Daryl Dike be an exciting duo?
During his time in Yorkshire, the striker scored nine goals in 19 appearances which helped lead them to the play-offs. Should he be able to recreate this form next term, he could form a formidable partnership with Lawrence – if he joins the club.
Dike has only featured twice for West Brom after missing 11 games due to a hamstring injury. If you compare his statistics when he was at Barnsley to Lawrence’s last season, you can see how well they would work together.
The Welshman registered five assists and created three big chances showing that he is more than capable of creating chances for Dike to latch onto.
In his spell Oakwell, Dike averaged 1.7 shots per game which could easily be increased with service from Lawrence.
Given he will be available for free, and that his wage is only £27k per week, it makes perfect sense for the Baggies to do all they can to secure the 28-year-old’s signature.
He has been described as “brilliant” by journalist Ryan Conway and could be key to their promotion push next season.
The West Midlands outfit will also be hoping that Dike can replicate the form shown at Barnsley, if he does, then the club are in with a good chance of mounting a push back to the Premier League.
AND in other news: Bruce must finally axe West Brom’s “overhyped” £18k-p/w dud, they can do much better…
