Norwich sign Andre Brooks as West Brom face opening-day trip to Carrow Road | OneFootball

Albion learned on Thursday they will start the Championship away at Norwich City on 15 August, an early test in Norfolk, according to ExpressAndStar.com.

Belgian coach Philippe Clement replaced Liam Manning last November and engineered a major upturn, with the Canaries finishing ninth, eight points short of the play-offs after a late push.

The former Rangers manager is fancied by many to steer Norwich towards the division’s higher reaches after posting play-off standard form.

Norwich have made a statement by landing Sheffield United academy graduate Andre Brooks as their first permanent signing of the new season on a five-year deal. It is reported the fee is an initial £8 million, potentially rising to £9 million with promotion, and the club have pursued him for some time.

The 22-year-old Jamaica international wideman was the Blades’ players’ and young player of the season in a disappointing campaign that ended 13th. He has nine goals in 96 first-team appearances and has previously impressed against Albion.

Brooks is Norwich’s second addition of the summer after Brazil defender Bruno Alves, 20, arrived from Cruzeiro on a season-long loan with an option to buy.

James Morrison’s Baggies will see the Carrow Road opener as a testing early marker of their summer progress.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com