West Brom working to complete £1.3m striker signing and defender deal

Albion are poised to make early inroads in the transfer window as they work to complete the signing of striker Jimmy-Jay Morgan from Chelsea.

The 20-year-old England youth international is close to joining in a deal worth around £1.3million.

Morgan scored 14 goals on loan at Peterborough in League One last season and the Baggies believe he is capable of stepping up to the Championship.

Albion are also close to completing a deal for 19-year-old defender Carter Pinnington from Liverpool. Pinnington is viewed as a player with big potential and will initially be involved with the under-21s.

Morgan’s signing is something of a statement of intent from Albion, who are taking a front foot approach to their summer business.

Owners Bilkul were faced with a major profit and sustainability headache when they arrived in February, 2024, meaning the Baggies were effectively forced to sell before they could buy, all the time needing to make a tidy trading profit.

But the hard work should now pay dividends and allow the club to be more proactive in pursuing targets. Boss James Morrison has remained in close contact with director of football operations Ian Pearce and technical director Dominic Price throughout the summer.

Goalkeeper Max O’Leary is the only player to agree terms so far after signing a three-year contract, though the Baggies are hopeful of keeping striker Josh Maja and forward Karlan Grant.

The coaching staff will also be finalised with Morrison keen for Matt Gill to stay as assistant on a permanent basis.

Morrison has stressed the club’s work in the market must focus on quality rather than quantity.

Speaking at the end of the season, he explained: “It’s about getting the right people.

“Again, there's a process in place. We're all working together.

“But yes, we need to make changes. Everyone can see that and there will be changes.”