West Brom look to beef particular department in January transfer window
Albion intend to target defensive reinforcements when the January transfer window opens from midnight.
The Baggies, currently without a head coach as the hunt for Carlos Corberan's successor goes on, find themselves light on defensive bodies.
Paddy McNair's half-season loan from new United States franchise San Jose ends today and the experienced Northern Ireland international jets off to pastures new tomorrow.
Albion have also been without the injured Semi Ajayi, who was a mainstay to start the Championship season, since October and the Nigeria international is not forecast for a return to contention until March.
Everton loanee Mason Holgate is also currently missing through a minor groin problem. He did not play at Sheffield United on Sunday and is not expected to be involved against Preston on Wednesday - thought that setback is not thought to be a serious one.
It leaves interim bosses Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill with precious few options in the backline and the club look set to address the department with the winter window to open.
Former boss Corberan referenced the possible market move for defensive additions just a couple of days prior to his Valencia exit and those plans are expected to remain in place with head of football operations Ian Pearce overseeing the recruitment department.
Andrew Nestor, Bilkul's chief executive who oversees sporting director matters, is primarily focused in the new head coach hunt but will play a role in player recruitment.
Another option Albion have is a possible recall of prospect Caleb Taylor from League One high-flyers Wycombe. Taylor, who turns 22 in January, has made 19 appearances in a fine third loan stint away from The Hawthorns.
Meanwhile, highly-rated Swansea boss Luke Williams said he "did not believe" claims Albion are interested in his services.
The 43-year-old Englishman, a former Notts County manager, will welcome the Baggies in south Wales on Saturday. He said when asked about possible interest: "I love Swansea so we'll see.
"I don't believe that's true for a start. Secondly, we have a game every three days so I've well and truly got my head down and I'm not interested in that for the time being."
The Swans are one place and three points below Albion in ninth.
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