Trevoh Chalobah could be announced as a West Bromwich Albion signing next week, according to journalist Joseph Masi

The lowdown

The 22-year-old, who can play as either a centre-back or a defensive midfielder, has just completed his third loan spell away from Chelsea. After earlier periods with Ipswich and Huddersfield, he spent the 2020/21 campaign with Ligue 1 outfit Lorient and finished in the league's top 10 for interceptions per game with 2.4 (via WhoScored).

Despite appearing 44 times for the west London club's under-23s, Chalobah hasn't been handed a senior debut for Chelsea.

West Brom have already commenced their summer business, reuniting former Barnsley midfielder Alex Mowatt with their new manager Valerien Ismael.

The latest

Talks between West Brom and Chelsea 'have continued to progress well' in recent days and the signing of Chalobah is getting closer, Masi told the Shrophshire Star. He added that reports in London are 'saying he could be confirmed as an Albion player next week'.

Lorient are said to be keen on a permanent deal for the 22-year-old, but his preference is to remain in England.

In even more positive news for the Baggies, it is 'unlikely' that Chelsea will demand a transfer fee even though his contract still has two years to run.

The verdict

This would be excellent business from West Brom and a true statement of intent as they look to win back their place in the Premier League. If it is indeed a free transfer for Chalobah, it could genuinely prove to be a contender for the Championship signing of the summer.

The Chelsea ace really ought to be playing top-flight football somewhere in Europe given how well he did in Ligue 1, but perhaps he views West Brom as his route to making a breakthrough to the Premier League.

If they intend to use him as a shield for the defence, he would likely represent a more than able replacement for former Baggies loanee Okay Yokuslu, who has returned to Celta Vigo.

In other news, this midfielder might struggle to fit into Ismael's plans