Negotiations are underway to sign a West Brom or Southampton striker.

West Bromwich Albion have reportedly renewed their interest in Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland, but they face competition from Southampton.

The Baggies are expected to continue their transfer business now that new head coach Ryan Mason has been appointed, and bringing in a new centre-forward is regarded as a must. When injury problems mount, players such as Josh Maja, Daryl Dike, Devante Cole, and Karlan Grant can only do so much, so Albion are eager to bring in a new face or two.

Shankland, who was heavily linked with West Brom during his time at Dundee United in 2020, has yet to renew his contract with Hearts and is officially a free agent as of May 31. The Jam Tarts are working hard to keep their captain at Tynecastle, and manager Derek McInnes has had discussions with him, but Shankland is considering his options.

According to the Scottish Sun, West Brom and Southampton are interested in signing Shankland to help strengthen their strike forces. According to reports, Albion have spoken with the player’s camp to express their interest in joining Mason in a new-look squad at The Hawthorns. Meanwhile, Saints have yet to make contact, but they are keeping an eye on the situation.

Shankland, who turns 30 in August, was named PFA Scotland Player of the Year for 2023/24 after scoring 31 goals in 47 matches across all competitions. Shankland scored 28 goals in 47 games during the 2022/23 season, his second consecutive season of prolific scoring. However, Shankland’s scoring rate slowed during the previous season, with only nine goals in 43 games.

West Brom withdrew from signing the Scotland international in 2020 due to the high cost of the deal. That won’t be an issue this time, as Shankland will not incur any transfer fees. His wage demands would most likely be reasonable.

If Shankland does make the move to The Hawthorns or St Mary’s Stadium, it will be his first taste of English football, having spent the majority of his career in Scotland and one brief spell in Belgium. That may raise some concerns, but he has been a prolific scorer wherever he has played, whether at Hearts, Dundee United, Ayr United, Beerschot, or elsewhere.

West Brom are planning a massive squad overhaul.

Shankland is far from the only potential signing Albion are considering, as the recruitment team is looking to fill a number of key positions. Grady Diangana, John Swift and Semi Ajayi will need to be replaced as they are leaving at the end of their contracts, whereas academy product Tom Fellows could secure a move to the Premier League amid strong interest.

Signing players in left wing, attacking midfield, right wing, and centre-back positions is necessary, not to mention other areas that required improvement during the previous season. Albion may consider signing a new goalkeeper following Alex Palmer’s exit, another left-back is desired, depth is a necessity at centre-back and more bite is needed in midfield.

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