This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
West Bromwich Albion are in pole position to sign free agent forward Tom Lawrence according to the Daily Mail.
The Welshman performed very well and demonstrated great leadership qualities as Derby County valiantly fought against relegation from the Championship last season.
Having reached the end of his deal at Pride Park, Lawrence is now one of the most exciting potentially free signings around at second tier level and he would certainly make the Baggies more dangerous in the final third.
We gathered the thoughts of a selection of FLW writers to see if they believe Lawrence would be a smart addition for Steve Bruce's men and if the 28-year-old would be a regular starter in the Black Country...
Toby Wilding
This does feel as though it could be a very good signing for West Brom if they can get it done.
Even with all the trouble Derby had to cope with last season, Lawrence produced a string of impressive and influential performances, meaning he could handle the pressure of the promotion battle the Baggies will be expected to be part of.
Indeed, with a number of West Brom's own attacking midfield options having struggled to live up to expectations during the 2021/22 campaign, you get the feeling Lawrence would deserve a chance to impress in the starting XI at The Hawthorns.
With his contract at Derby now over, this deal for Lawrence as a free agent would be a bargain, and something of a coup given the interest there has been in him, so this does look to be well worth pursuing for West Brom.
Adam Jones
It's a tough one to judge.
Arguably, Karlan Grant has deserved a chance to show what he can do next season after enduring a reasonably fruitful 2021/22 campaign in front of goal.
And with Albion likely to suit a 4-2-3-1 system with John Swift in an advanced midfield role, this leaves just one starting spot on the wing if Grant appears on the left again.
With this, Jed Wallace and Tom Lawrence may be battling it out with Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson for a starting spot on the right and unless they can get one of the latter two off the wage bill, it may not be wise to bring in the Derby County captain.
Financially, they need to be careful.
Declan Harte
Lawrence is easily a Championship standard player and deserves to be competing in the division.
The circumstances surrounding his Derby exit are unfortunate, but that could be West Brom’s gain as he the Welshman would be a great signing for Bruce’s side.
The 28-year-old is a top player, who could bring an extra dynamic to Albion’s attack.
West Brom could use another source of goals and Lawrence can bring that to the team, having bagged 24 in his last three seasons.