West Brom are keen on signing Stoke City's Sam Clucas this summer, with the midfielder set to be available for around £3m.

The Baggies are preparing for life back in the Championship, although they are still yet to appoint a new boss, even though Barnsley's Valerien Ismael is the clear frontrunner now.

Despite that, it appears Albion are making progress in terms of identifying new recruits, as Football Insider revealed that Clucas has emerged as a target.

They state that a fee in the region of £3m would be enough to do a deal, with the ex-Hull City man entering the final year of his contract at the Bet365 Stadium.

Whilst the Potters will be aiming for promotion next season, along with West Brom, Stoke know that they will need to balance the books this summer as they prepare for another year outside the top-flight and the financial implications that brings.

Clucas featured in 24 games for Michael O'Neill's side in the previous campaign as the Staffordshire outfit finished 14th in the league.

The verdict

This would appear to be a sensible signing for Albion. Whilst Clucas' arrival may not get the fans excited, he is a player who knows the league, can play a few positions and does have quality on the ball.

With midfield a major issue for the Baggies, he would be a welcome addition in to an area that needs more class and depth to it this summer.

So, if they can pick Clucas up for £3m, it could turn out to be a clever bit of business to begin what needs to be a busy few months at The Hawthorns.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.