West Brom closing on Filip Krovinovic deal

Reports in Portugal over the weekend suggested Benfica are becoming frustrated as negotiations continue over a move for the midfielder, who impressed on loan at The Hawthorns last season.

But while talks have been drawn out and remain ongoing, it is understood progress has been made over the last few days.

It is believed the clubs are still discussing two potential deals for the 24-year-old.

One would see Krovinovic again join the Baggies on loan – with the move then becoming permanent at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

The other deal is a straight transfer with the fee to be paid in instalments.

But the Express & Star understands Albion, the player and Benfica are all eager for the deal to go through – with Krovinovic having his heart set on returning to The Hawthorns.

Alongside Krovinovic, Albion are still in talks with Sheffield United over a move Callum Robinson – who also impressed while on loan last season.

Both clubs are keen on a swap deal that would see Oliver Burke join the Blades. The Scotsman has struggled for form since joining the Baggies from RB Leipzig in 2017.

And Scotland manager Steve Clarke believes the forward needs to find a new club and settle down after Albion sent him out on loan in each of the last two seasons.

“I think what Oli needs to do is to find a home,” the former Albion boss said. “He has been drifting around from club to club and going here and there.

“He needs to find a manager who loves him and a club he can call home.

“When he gets that he will improve, he will get better. He needs to find somewhere he can play week in, week out.

“I’m sure if he gets that his performance levels will be good.”