West Brom have agreed a fee with Rotherham for defender Semi Ajayi, according to Sky Sports News [Transfer Centre 19/7, 10:08].

The player will now undergo a medical and finalise personal terms ahead of a £1.5m deal.

Millers boss Paul Warne said last week that two Championship clubs saw bids for the centre-back rejected, with one of those clubs believed to be Barnsley.

Sky Sports News suggest the deal is very close to completion, so much so that Ajayi could take part in West Brom's friendly against Scunthorpe tomorrow.

The Baggies have been in need of a replacement for Craig Dawson since he left last month, and the Nigeria international has been identified as the solution.

The 25-year-old impressed last season despite Rotherham's relegation. He featured in every league game last season and in the season prior to that played a central role in The Millers' promotion, which West Brom will be hoping he can replicate at the Hawthorns.

The Verdict

This is smart business by West Brom. Ajayi has a good combination of youth and experience, and playing under better coaches and with better defenders like Ahmed Hegazi should help him progress a lot.

He showed that he could handle Championship football last season despite his team's struggles. He has great strength and a physical presence which makes life difficult for opposition strikers.

If he learns more and improves his positioning and anticipation then he could be a top Championship defender, and a sum of £1.5m will seem like a brilliant deal for West Brom.