‘West Brom make last-ditch bid to stop Tom Fellows joining Everton’ amid ‘incredible’ claim
West Brom are likely to hold behind-the-scenes talks with Tom Fellows to convince him to snub interest from the likes of Everton and Leeds.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained that Ryan Mason will be keen to keep his best players at the club ahead of his first season at The Hawthorns.
Mason plans to keep the 21-year-old after an “incredible” season in which he picked up 14 assists, but there is a feeling that they may receive an offer which is too good to turn down.
Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Everton would reignite their interest in Fellows after missing out on a deal during the January transfer window.
An agreement had been reached with the player on transfer deadline day, and he was keen to make the move, but the two clubs could not finalise a fee.
More recently, Football Insider revealed that Everton are well-placed to sign Fellows while David Moyes is determined to strengthen in the wide areas.
West Brom respond to Everton interest in Tom Fellows
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in February that Everton are likely to re-sign Fellows after their agreement in the mid-season window.
Leeds are also believed to hold an interest in the winger, and the Baggies could be tempted to sell after missing out on the playoffs last season.
Robinson explained that, while Mason will be doing all he can to keep his best players at The Hawthorns, he may be powerless to prevent his departure.
“He was heavily linked with a move in January,” he told Football Insider.
“The fact that West Brom were just on the tip of the playoffs and had an opportunity towards the end of the season didn’t help his cause in terms of getting away.
“He’s 21, and if you look at his attacking stats this season in terms of goals and assists, 14 assists is incredible in a team that finished ninth in the Championship.
“The key now will be what impact Ryan Mason has on keeping hold of players.
“Coming in there, he’s not going to want to lose his better players.
“Tom Fellows is contracted until the end of next season, and I’m sure talks will be going on behind the scenes to tie him to a new deal and keep him.
“The thing is for West Brom, the price might be too much.”
Jeffrey Schlupp update emerges at The Hawthorns
Mason is keen to strengthen his squad ahead of his first season in senior management, with their focus on a playoff place after last season’s disappointment.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 9 July that West Brom want to sign Jeffrey Schlupp after his departure from Crystal Palace last month.
Schlupp, 32, spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic and is now available as a free agent after leaving Selhurst Park upon the expiry of his contract.
The midfielder earned two winners’ medals last season after winning the Scottish Premiership title with Celtic, while his parent club lifted the FA Cup in his absence.
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