James Morrison assesses West Brom midfield before Alex Mowatt edges towards Derby switch | OneFootball

Alex Mowatt is closing in on a switch to Derby County on the eve of the Championship season, shortly after James Morrison praised West Brom’s midfield depth and flexibility.

Derby, long-term admirers, firmed up their interest with a second bid, leading to the 31-year-old’s medical on Thursday, with completion likely on Friday before Albion’s opener at Norwich at Carrow Road. According to ExpressAndStar.com, that move gathered pace after Morrison’s midweek media briefing.

Recent arrivals Felix Horn Myhre and Rabby Nzingoula had lifted the pool to five senior central midfielders, prompting outside debate about the pecking order and how to keep everyone content.

Speaking on Wednesday, Morrison said the unit felt strong and, crucially, adaptable. He stressed that each player offers different qualities and that selection would depend on what suits each game and the club.

Mowatt is poised to end five years and 170 games at The Hawthorns, where he has served as vice-captain and been a regular. He had featured heavily in pre-season and started in the EFL Cup last weekend under the head coach.

Nzingoula joined for about £2 million from Strasbourg and already has 56 league appearances across Strasbourg, Montpellier and Nurnberg. Morrison said the 20-year-old has had one or two sessions and that, after a day off the next day and a return on Friday, he would assess the squad. The French youth midfielder is Albion’s seventh senior signing of the summer, and Morrison added that numbers were necessary after last year’s departures, with new faces needing time to bed in.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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