West Brom are about to land a 'big player' on loan

West Brom are reportedly on the verge of completing the loan signing of Matt Clarke.

The Express & Star claims the 24-year-old will become Valerien Ismael’s second signing since arriving at The Hawthorns.

They also claim West Brom will confirm Clarke’s arrival within the next 48 hours.

One previous report claimed Albion and Brighton were in discussions over a fee for the player.

However, it now looks as though Clarke will move on loan instead of permanently.

The 6ft 1in centre-back joined Brighton from Portsmouth for a reported £4million fee in 2019.

Clarke has yet to make a competitive first-team appearance for the Seagulls but has impressed at Derby the last two seasons.

“He is a big player for us,” The Argus quotes Wayne Rooney as saying about him last February.

Clarke also shone at Portsmouth, to the point that some fans reckoned he would be a future England international.

In terms of centre-backs, West Brom currently have Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley, Dara O’Shea and Cedric Kipre in their ranks.

However, Ismael has tended to play with a back three throughout his career, so he could potentially target another centre-back.

Clarke’s contract at the Amex runs until 2023.

Report: West Brom are about to land a ‘big player’ on loan, announcement within next 48 hours