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Ryan Mason will surely love what a Premier League boss once said about ‘sublime’ West Brom target 

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West Brom will harbour ambitions of reaching the Championship play-offs in 2025/26, and one potential signing could play a crucial role in getting them there.

The 2024/25 season ended in disappointment for West Brom. After missing out on the top six, Tony Mowbray was sacked, with James Morrison placed in temporary charge.

Ryan Mason was then named the new West Brom manager at the start of June, and supporters will hope that, despite his limited experience, the 34-year-old can guide them to success.

As it stands, the Baggies are yet to complete their first signing of the summer, but there are plenty of irons in the fire. EFL Analysis exclusively revealed that West Brom are in the race to sign Harry Toffolo from Nottingham Forest.

Encouragingly, he isn’t the only Premier League talent being chased by the Midlands side as Mason prepares to assemble his squad.

Eddie Howe and David Brooks pictured during Bournemouth vs Southampton
Photo by AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images

What Eddie Howe once said about West Brom target David Brooks

According to the Express & Star, West Brom are interested in signing winger David Brooks on loan from Bournemouth.

The 27-year-old has dropped down the pecking order under Andoni Iraola after making just nine Premier League starts for the Spaniard last term.

Brooks has previously starred in the Championship for Sheffield United and Southampton, most recently helping the Saints win promotion to the Premier League in 2023/24 with seven goal involvements in 17 matches.

A loan move for the fleet-footed winger would therefore be an excellent piece of business for the Baggies and previous comments from former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe explain why.

Speaking in December 2018 after scoring a brace in a 2-0 win over Brighton, Howe told Sky Sports: “It has typified his introduction to the club. He has played ever so well for us, he has got a creative flair, non-stop energy and he took his goals really well today.

“He is a player that can do a little bit of everything, he is very good offensively, is creative, turns well with the ball and is very intelligent.

“His first goal was sublime and his second was very clever because he was running at an angle and just directed it backwards behind him which was really impressive.”

Brooks would be a statement signing for West Brom

Brooks is an exciting player to watch, and he’s capable of producing magic in the final third.

The Welshman has a wand of a left foot that can cause devastation, especially in the Championship, and landing him ahead of other interested clubs would be a statement of intent.

David Brooks Championship record
86 appearances
11 goals
16 assists

The Bournemouth man would be one of the best wingers in the division if he signed, potentially giving West Brom a boost in their hopes of making the top six.