'Easy decision if it happens': Caleb Taylor West Brom chance view amid Torbjorn Heggem £10m exit talks

Last week it emerged the Italian side had lodged a £10m bid for Heggem - with talks ongoing between the two clubs.

The move was not surprising given earlier summer speculation - but a potential exit of Heggem represents a massive blow for Albion ahead of the Championship opener against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Heggem, a steal at £500,000 last summer went on to be Albion's best player last season. He was always going to become a target this season.

Many Albion fans have been debating the price tag over recent days and weighing up whether selling one of your best players is the right thing to do, even if a huge profit does help with financial fair play issues.

That is a debate that continues, but what happens beyond that? If a deal for Heggem does go through, it leaves Albion's defensive unit lighter and it gives Ryan Mason a decision to make with how he moves forward.

'It is his chance - but they could be light'

No one wants Heggem to go - but it sounds like a very good deal so if it does go through then that is football.

What it does do is change the whole complexion around Caleb Taylor and his future. Only last week we were speaking on the Baggies Broadcast, saying it was almost now or never for Taylor.

After two successful loan spells away, it feels like he deserves first team football now.

If Heggem goes, it should be a relatively easy decision that Taylor steps into that position. Having had experience in both League Two and One, of the options Albion have, he is the most suited to partner Nat Phillips.

He has arguably shown he is ready in pre-season and prior to that. US international George Campbell has also come in, but would it be wise to throw him straight into Championship action?

Potentially. He looks like he has the attributes, but it feels like possibly Taylor's time. And alongside that, Campbell has operated at left back in pre-season so maybe Mason sees that as a better position.

What it does also do is the raise the question of whether Albion need to go again defensively before the window slams shut. It would leave Phillips, Taylor, Campbell and Kyle Bartley.

Bartley is yet to feature in pre-season, and with his injury issues looks unlikely to play much of a part. So do they go again, or rely on academy youngsters behind to fill any potential voids?

Heggem's departure may change transfer plans and make the final three weeks a frantic period.