West Bromwich Albion are set to complete the signing of defender Saul Shotton on a free transfer, according to reports from Sky Sports News.

The 18-year-old is currently on the lookout for a new club after being released by Bury in the summer, following the Shakers' expulsion from the English Football League.

The young defender played six times for the club in the 2017/18 campaign, but he failed to make an appearance as they won automatic promotion from League Two under Ryan Lowe last term.

But it looks as if Shotton won't have to wait too much longer in his quest to find a new club, with West Brom looking set to win the race for his signature.

Sky Sports News claim that the defender has agreed personal terms with the Baggies and looks set to put pen to paper on a two-year deal at The Hawthorns.

Despite his lack of game-time for the Shakers last season, it is also claimed that Watford and Leeds United had offers turned down for the highly-rated defender over the course of the season.

Slaven Bilic's side have made an impressive start to the 2019/20 season, and occupy sixth spot in the Championship table after going unbeaten in their first seven league games.

The Verdict

This would be a really smart signing for West Brom - Shotton is a player with a lot of potential, and it would be great business to sign him on a free transfer.

He really impressed me when he played in League One two seasons ago, and I thought that he would play a big role for Bury in League Two last season.

The circumstances aren't ideal at all, but he will surely be delighted to sign for a big club like West Brom who are pushing for the Premier League.

He is a very versatile defender, who could be of real use to the Baggies in years to come.