Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane and Newcastle United duo Elliot Anderson and Karl Darlow are not West Bromwich Albion targets despite recent reports, according to the Express&Star. 

It looks set to be a big summer for Steve Bruce as he strengthens his squad with aspirations of another promotion push in the 2022/23 Championship campaign.

Plenty of players have already been linked with a move to The Hawthorns, including Hourihane, who is on course to leave Villa at the end of his contract and spent last season on loan at Sheffield United.

Reports have also indicated that Anderson, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder that caught the eye on loan at Bristol Rovers, and Darlow, the experienced goalkeeper that could be set to join a Championship club this summer, are Albion targets.

However, the Express&Star has now claimed that there is no truth in reports linking the trio with a move to the Baggies and that none of them are players that Bruce is targetting this summer.

It seems Albion are interested in capitalising on the strength of the free agent market with Darragh Lenihan, Joe Rothwell, and Jed Wallace among the other players linked to the Championship club.

The Verdict

There have been no shortage of reported West Brom targets this summer but the Express&Star are a local and reliable source so it seems as though these three are not players that will be joining this summer.

That could be a wise move in the case of Darlow and Hourihane, who will likely demand big contracts given they're senior players from Premier League clubs.

Anderson appears a player in demand after his exploits in League Two so perhaps getting involved in the bidding war for him and having to pay a loan fee is better off avoided.

That said, improvements are needed at The Hawthorns ahead of the new season.