Expert: Everton plotting Tom Fellows deal

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West Brom star Tom Fellows has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs including Everton ahead of the January transfer window.

This is according to former Baggies assistant manager Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at The Hawthorns and across the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that scouts have been keeping a close eye on the winger’s progress.

However, a move in January is considered unlikely as clubs are keen to see him finish a full season of Championship football to prove he is capable of a step up.

Everton and Ipswich are believed to have a long-held interest in the 21-year-old, while Southampton saw a £10million offer rejected during the summer window.

Both clubs have since continued to monitor his progress, and have been joined by other Premier League scouts, but he is expected to continue his development at The Hawthorns.

Under Carlos Corberan’s management, Fellows has featured in every Championship fixture so far this season, starting all but three while picking up one goal and eight assists.

That assists tally is the joint-most in the division, alongside Middlesbrough’s highly-rated Finn Azaz as we approach the half-way point of the season, with the winger pleasing onlooking scouts.

Tom Fellows attracting Premier League interest after West Brom form

West Brom remain in a difficult financial situation, and an eight-figure sum from the winger’s sale would go some way to helping them ease their concerns, but they are reluctant to see him leave.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after spending over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that he would be better suited remaining at West Brom to prove his level.

“I’m told scouts have been watching him this season,” he told Football Insider.

“Everton and Southampton were both interested in the summer, and that hasn’t faded.

“The top clubs are always keeping an eye on the Championship to see which young players stand out and could make the step up.

“He’s certainly been one of those this season, his performances for West Brom have shone through.

“But there is still some uncertainty about whether he is ready to make a move as this is only his second season at this level.

“On that basis, I wouldn’t expect him to move in January, I think clubs would prefer to let him develop at West Brom and maybe make the move in the summer.

“The best thing I would say to him is to keep going, keep working hard and doing what he’s doing, because that’s how he’ll earn a Premier League move.

“You have to prove to teams that you are capable of making a difference at a higher level.”

In other news, Carlos Corberan to be announced as Valencia manager imminently.

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