Chances of West Brom signing Ipswich Town winger revealed | OneFootball

West Bromwich Albion are not expected to sign Ipswich Town's Kasey McAteer this summer, with the Irishman in Gary O'Neil's plans at Portman Road

West Bromwich Albion are looking to rebuild their attack under the watch of James Morrison and have been linked with a move for Ipswich Town's Kasey McAteer. However, that move doesn't look to be going anywhere, in a bitter blow for the Baggies.

Murmurs circulating on social media have suggested that West Brom are interested in a move for Ipswich and Irish international winger McAteer, though those rumours have since been squashed.

According to Stuart Watson via X, McAteer is a part of plans in Suffolk for the upcoming Premier League campaign under Gary O'Neil, with an exit this summer highly unlikely.

Steve Tudgay has further reported that an enquiry for the Irishman was indeed made by West Brom, but Ipswich would want his wages paid in full, something the Baggies cannot afford at this stage.

West Bromwich Albion face blow in pursuit of Ipswich Town's Kasey McAteer

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McAteer, 24, joined Ipswich from Leicester City for around £12 million last summer, having made 56 first-team appearances for the Foxes, as well as enjoying loan spells with Forest Green Rovers and AFC Wimbledon.

However, the Irishman scored just three goals and grabbed one assist in 28 games for the Tractor Boys last season, struggling to nail down a place in the side under Kieran McKenna.

Nevertheless, he would help Ipswich back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and now, with Gary O'Neil assuming control in Suffolk, the winger appears to be in the former Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Strasbourg boss' plans.

This is despite the addition of Abdul Fatawu on the right flank, whilst each of Jack Clarke, Jaden Philogene, Sindre Walle Egeli, Anis Mehmeti, and Wes Burns are all vying for a place in the side.

Now, West Brom must look for other targets elsewhere, and can chalk a move for McAteer off the board.

West Bromwich Albion must seek alternatives in the final third after facing a blow in pursuit of Kasey McAteer

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With each of Daryl Dike, Jed Wallace, Karlan Grant, and Josh Maja having left the club at the end of their contracts, as well as the loans of Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba and Hindolo Mustapha having expired, the Baggies are in desperate need of more attacking options this summer.

The additions of Barney Stewart and Jimmy-Jay Morgan will have helped, but with both lacking experience in the Championship, Morrison surely cannot rely on them.

McAteer would have been an ideal fit to replace the outgoing Wallace on the right flank, as with only Mikey Johnston being the only recognised senior winger in their squad, another option or two are a necessity.

Having suffered a blow in their pursuit of the Ipswich star, West Brom must avert their attentions elsewhere as soon as possible, as with their season opener away to Norwich City less than two weeks away, Morrison will need alternatives on the wings, but one of those won't be McAteer.

James Morrison mustn't let Kasey McAteer blow affect West Bromwich Albion's transfer business this summer

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With a move for McAteer appearing to be dead in the water, Morrison must not let this fresh blow hinder West Brom's recruitment for the rest of the summer.

The Baggies are still in need of some major additions before the window slams shut, and whilst the Irishman will not be one of those, the Scottish head coach must move on to alternatives immediately.

With six deals over the line already, McAteer won't be the seventh; though Morrison must ensure whoever is brought in brings similar, if not better, quality than McAteer would have.