Sources: West Brom in advanced talks to sign Clarke from Brighton
West Brom are in advanced talks to sign defender Matt Clarke from Brighton, Football Insider understands.
The Midlands club have swooped for the centre-back, 24, as they continue their squad strengthening ahead of the new season.
A West Brom source has told Football Insider that the club are close to agreeing a fee with Brighton for the English centre-back.
Sheffield United have also been linked with Clarke following their own drop down to the Championship.
But West Brom are in pole position to seal a deal as Brighton look to secure a £1million profit on the player they signed from Portsmouth for £3.9m.
Clarke has spent the last two years at the Seagulls and has a contract that runs for two more years until 2023.
He has spent each of the previous two seasons on loan Derby County, where he has proved himself one of the most capable defenders in the division.
Clarke could now leave Brighton without ever playing for them, or even spending much time at the club.
His expected departure comes even though Ben White is expected to join Arsenal later this summer.
Meanwhile, Shane Duffy could go out on loan again following his spell at Celtic last season.
West Brom have set their sights on a central defender to provide cover and competition for the likes of Kyle Bartley.
Clarke has makes 81 appearances in the Championship and also had lengthy stints at Portsmouth and Ipswich Town.
He made 42 league starts among 44 matches in all competitions for Derby last term.
In other news, Paul Robinson drops £30m West Brom transfer prediction after Ismael reveal.