West Brom in talks to keep starlets
Albion are in talks with both Kyle Edwards and Rayhaan Tulloch as they look to secure the promising forwards on long-term deals.
Edwards, 21, who has made nine starts and 17 substitute appearances for the Baggies this season, is understood to be close to signing a new contract that will significantly boost his wages.
Tulloch’s future, however, is less clear.
The 19-year-old featured in the FA Cup clash at Charlton on January 5. He then played in the competition again at West Ham on January 25.
But Tulloch’s performances for Albion’s under-23s have led to interest from elsewhere.
It is understood Scottish giants Rangers approached the player’s agent last month with a view to taking him across the border when his contract expires in the summer.
Villa, Bournemouth, Southampton, Newcastle and Sunderland have also been linked with a move for the forward.
The Express & Star understands Tulloch has rejected one contract offer to remain at The Hawthorns.
But a second, improved, offer is now on the table with Albion hopeful that will convince the Birmingham-born youngster to stay.
If Tulloch does leave in the summer, the Baggies will receive a fee set by a tribunal if he moves to another English club. That figure will be much reduced, however, if he moves to Scotland or Europe due to FIFA’s set compensation tariffs for players who move abroad.
Edwards’ future is a lot more certain with the player almost certain to be an Albion player next season.
The Dudley-born forward’s current deal also expires this summer but Albion have an option in their favour to extend it by a further 12 months.
Edwards, though, is believed to be close to signing a longer-term deal that will see his wages rise from around £1,000 a week to in excess of £10,000.
Following the arrivals of Callum Robinson and Kamil Grosicki, the Dudley-born forward faces a battle to be involved Slaven Bilic’s match day squad and wasn’t part of the 18 that won at Millwall.
But Albion still believe he is a player with a lot of potential and are keen for him to fulfil that at The Hawthorns.
Edwards has already spent 14 years with Albion having been spotted by club scouts at the age of seven while playing for Kewford Eagles, which is based on the Staffordshire/Worcestershire border.
He also had interest from Wolves, Villa and Blues but his entire family are Albion fans so that convinced him to join the Baggies.
