Steve Bruce now picks four targets to potentially replace ‘exceptional’ West Brom star

West Bromwich Albion are set to target a right-back this summer as manager Steve Bruce wants to offer competition to Darnell Furlong next season, reports the Express & Star (via Birmingham Live).

Bruce has previously claimed that defender Dara O’Shea can operate well in the right-back position when called upon.

However, it is believed that West Brom view O’Shea’s long-term future at the club as a centre-back.

Therefore, this leaves Albion short on the right-hand side, meaning they would be vulnerable if Furlong were to suffer any form of serious injury over the course of next season, with the defender having been hailed as “exceptional going both ways”.

According to the Express & Star (via Birmingham Live), Bruce is said to be keen on signing an additional right-back this summer as he looks to add depth to the role and to provide Darnell Furlong with competition for the starting role.

With West Brom’s acknowledgement that O’Shea will be utilised as a central defender, this has pushed the Midlands club into dipping into the transfer market for a full-back this summer.

It is reported that former Aston Villa right-back James Bree, who was signed by Bruce at Villa Park, is one option within the free agent market, while Ryan Nyambe of Blackburn Rovers, Derby County’s Nathan Byrne and Moses Odubajo of Queens Park Rangers could also be possible options.

Bruce has shared his desire to exploit the free transfer market even more this summer, following the arrival of John Swift and potentially Jed Wallace at The Hawthorns.

With the lack of depth in the defence, it is imperative that the Baggies bring in some cover ahead of next season.

Otherwise, fatigue and injuries could become a real issue for Bruce’s squad after a disappointing