Reliable journalist Joseph Masi has dropped a significant update on West Brom's links to Derby County midfielder Tom Lawrence.

The Lowdown: Lawrence linked with Baggies move

According to recent reports, the Baggies have shown interest in acquiring Lawrence's signature ahead of next season, following Derby's relegation to League One.

The 28-year-old will be out of contract when his Rams deal expires later this week, meaning he will be a free agent and available to join whoever he wants on a Bosman deal.

However, it appears as though Lawrence's next club won't be West Brom, following a rather definitive update from Masi.

The Latest: Masi rules out signing

Taking to Twitter, The Express & Star's Masi claimed that there is no interest from Steve Bruce in bringing the 23-time capped Wales international to the Hawthorns this summer:

"Story also includes a line on Tom Lawrence who I understand Albion are NOT interested in signing despite reports to the contrary."

The Verdict: One that got away?

In some ways, this is a disappointing update, considering Lawrence is someone with a wealth of Championship experience, having scored 50 goals and registered 40 assists in the competition down the years.

The winger was also once hailed as a 'fabulous' player by Gary Bowyer during his time at Blackburn Rovers and he will hope to star at the World Cup for Wales later this year, while his ability to play in a whopping seven different positions would have been useful for Bruce.

At 28, Lawrence is arguably in and around his peak years and he could have strengthened West Brom's promotion push next season - as it is, the Baggies will now seemingly pursue other attacking options instead.