Tom Lawrence has been one of the leaders in the Derby dressing room whilst they have undergone plenty of off field turmoil over the last season or so.

The former Man United man has continued to thrive with the Rams and given the captaincy last term, he flourished in the role. He bagged his best league goals tally ever with eleven and added five assists too – meaning he had 16 goal contributions in 38 Championship games.

With League One waiting for Derby though, one of their best players is unsurprisingly attracting interest from much higher up the pyramid. One team keen to do business is West Brom with the Daily Mail suggesting they are in pole position to snap him up.

It would be sad for Rams fans to see him go but the Baggies want to keep him in the second tier and use him in their promotion push. But is it a good move for player and club and would he get gametime?

Is it a good potential move?

This is most definitely a good deal for everybody, bar Derby.

Lawrence would get the chance to continue playing in the Championship and given the chance in a team at the other end of the table, he could produce even more in front of goal. West Brom would equally be getting a player who is both experienced in the second tier and is at his peak and producing his best ever numbers.

Throw in the fact that a deal would likely be on the cheap, if not a free transfer, and it would be stupid for the Baggies to not swoop for the player. If Derby could keep him then they definitely would – so the Baggies are right to take advantage while they have this opportunity to sign him.

Would he start?

Considering their current options and the fact that they struggled to hit the back of the net at all before Steve Bruce came in, he would likely be drafted straight into the first-team.

Yes the Baggies do have some new options in attack but Lawrence could slot in nicely just behind the forwards and continue to dictate the play for West Brom, whilst chipping in with goals of his own.

Considering his record from last season, he could be exactly what Steve Bruce needs to inject some life into the squad. They struggled to pick up wins and Lawrence has been there with Derby and knows exactly how to get a team ticking and picking up points.

What does he offer?

Lawrence offers plenty, as well as the ability to score goals from attacking midfield or the wing and setup his teammates.

The 28-year-old has honed his vision and passing ability during his time in the Championship and it won’t take him long to adapt to where his new teammates will be on the pitch. Once he settles in, he is well capable of splitting open opposition defences with his passing range and his vision can be almost second to none in the second tier.

Considering his size, he is also not a bad hold-up player either. If you get the ball to Lawrence, he is often able to weigh up a situation, allow his teammates to scramble forward if on the counter attack and then wait for the right move before executing it perfectly.

Finally, consider his dribbling too. Lawrence is not only able to score and assist but can take the ball himself and run rings around defenders, helping create opportunities for both himself and his teammates. In short, he is exactly what you would want from a winger or attacking midfielder and is right now in the peak of his playing career.