"Would be keen": Madeley drops exciting WBA transfer claim that'll leave Bruce buzzing - opinion

There has been mounting speculation on the future of Brighton and Hove Albion loanee Matt Clarke at West Bromwich Albion, and there has now been an update on the situation.

According to West Brom reporter Steve Madeley (via The Athletic), the 25-year-old centre-back “would be keen” to stay at The Hawthorns this summer.

Madeley wrote:

“Clarke would be keen on a permanent move to The Hawthorns and there are reasons for which a deal would appeal to West Brom as it is likely that any deal would include a low up-front fee and would be weighted towards performance-related add-ons and sell-on clauses.”

There is no doubt that Steve Bruce would be buzzing at the idea of the defender wanting to stay at the club after his comments about Clarke in an interview a few weeks ago.

Bruce told Express and Star:

“He has been, arguably, since I’ve walked through the door – he’s been our best player so I’m really, really, happy for him.

“All those conversations – it’s all about the future. What is going to happen in the future is the big thing and we’ll have those talks.”

The Baggies centre-back has featured 32 times in the Championship this season, with his effectiveness and influence in the backline a clear indicator as to why Bruce holds him in such high regard.

Clarke has made 1.9 interceptions, 3.2 clearances and 1.5 tackles on average per game, kept ten clean sheets, won the majority of his duels combined (63%) and has been successful in the majority of his dribbles (63%), proving to be a consistent force for West Brom throughout the season.

West Brom have now squandered their chances of picking up a playoff spot in the Championship this season, but will now need to focus on rebuilding and reflecting on the issues that have presented