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West Brom eye swoop for Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark

Albion have been linked with a summer raid for Villa defender Ciaran Clark.

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The Baggies bid for the 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international last summer but saw their efforts rebuffed, with Clark then signing a new five-year deal at Villa Park.

That contract is thought to contain a £5million release clause however and with Villa having been relegated from the Premier League, Albion boss Tony Pulis may now rekindle his interest.

Newcastle's Paul Dummett is also reported to be on the Welshman's radar as he looks to bolster his defensive options.

Albion signed both Jonny Evans and James Chester last summer but though veterans Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson have signed new one-year deals, Pulis is eager to lower the average age of his squad.

Clark is one of the few players in Villa's squad expected to receive offers from the Premier League.

A product of Villa's youth system, he has made more than 150 appearances in all competitions but has often seen his progress hampered by injury and the frequent changes at the club over the past six years.

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