James Morrison confirms Toby Collyer position, excited by West Brom new boy and gives Aune Heggebo clarity

Midfielder Collyer is to become the Baggies’ ninth new signing of the summer ahead of Tuesday night’s deadline.

He watched on from the Riverside Stadium as Middlesbrough condemned Morrison’s side to 3-1 defeat for a first Championship reverse of the new campaign. Collyer was spotted in Albion colours having been with team-mates. It is understood the final formalities of the transfer are being completed.

Morrison confirmed to the Express & Star after the defeat the midfielder’s initially £3million signing was “close” after the Baggies head coach pushed hard for his signature and Albion beat Middlesbrough and Premier League new boys Hull to the punch.

Albion were able to introduce summer addition number eight, winger Kareem Tunde, 21, for a late debut cameo on Teesside.

Tunde, who was believed to have cost around £2.5million initially from Levante in Spain, was bright in a 15 minute runout and tested goalkeeper Radek Vitek. He replaced youngster Harry Whitwell, who struggled to influence the clash after his bright displays against Burnley and Newcastle in the week.

Asked about having a change and more direct style from Morrison’s flowing football, the head coach replied: “It's obviously why Kareem's come in.

“I think he showed some glimpses of it, you could see what he was trying to do.

“He only came to us on Thursday. I'm excited for the new lads, really, with what they're bringing, because they've settled in really quickly with the lads.

“I think that was important for us to stay up (in Durham).”

Morrison opted to name the same starting XI that claimed three points in the last Championship outing, six days earlier against Burnley. The six alterations made at St James’ Park in the EFL Cup in midweek were reversed.

It meant striker Aune Heggebo, back from his controversial two-match handball suspension, returned for a place on the bench as Morrison decided on the extra midfield option in Felix Horn Myhre.

Heggebo came on midway through the second half but could not turn the clash in Albion’s favour.

Morrison revealed afterwards the striker has been struggling with health during his suspension. “He’s had an illness for a little bit of time that he hasn’t quite recovered from,” Morrison said. “A bug during the time of his suspension we’ve been monitoring.”