West Bromwich Albion latest: Carlos Corberan news, competition for Ian Poveda and Eric Smith | OneFootball

The upcoming transfer window promises to be a busy one for West Bromwich Albion, with the headlines in B71 dominated by rumors surrounding the future of manager Carlos Corberan and a flurry of arrivals and departures at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies finished fifth last season and reached the play-offs but their promotion hopes were dashed by Southampton in the play-off semi-final, with the Saints winning 3-0 on aggregate.

In the intervening month, Corberan has been linked with the vacant Leicester job, while the Baggies have waved goodbye to Micky Johnston, who returned to Celtic after an impressive loan spell at The Hawthorns in the second half of last season.

Here, Football League World takes a look at the latest news around West Brom.

The latest update on Carlos Corberan's future

According to BBC WM journalist and West Brom commentator, Steve Hermon, Carlos Corberan has remained in daily contact with the hierarchy at the West Midlands outfit regarding their plans for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Hermon indicated Corberan and Baggies executives have discussed player contracts, potential additions to his squad, as well as investment into the training ground which would approximately cost £1m.

Hermon went on to state that there have been no discussions between Corberan and Leicester, who have looked at the Spaniard as a potential replacement for Enzo Maresca, who was poached by Chelsea on a five-year contract.

Corberan guided the Baggies to fifth place in the Championship before they lost 3-0 on aggregate in the play-off semi-final against Southampton, and his future has been the subject of speculation for months now.

West Brom set to battle Luton and Cardiff for Ian Poveda

The Baggies and the Hatters are expected to be promotion contenders next term and are both monitoring the former Manchester City youth prospect, who impressed during a short loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday in the second half of the season.

The Colombian international was released by Leeds last week after struggling to make an impact at Elland Road, playing just 30 times for the Whites after joining the club in January 2020, but he's not short of interest from fellow clubs in the Championship now that he's a free agent.

Carlton Palmer issues Ian Poveda transfer verdict

Former Owls star Carlton Palmer, however, told Football League World that he believes Poveda could still prefer a move back to Hillsborough, despite the potential upturn in salary which could be offered by the Hatters and the Baggies.

"Luton Town and West Brom are going to be in the running at the top end of the table," he said. "But, he wouldn't have too far to move - if at all - from Leeds to Sheffield Wednesday.

"But, West Brom and Luton are going to be up there (challenging for promotion), so obviously it will be a factor in terms of his salary. But, in terms of where he's enjoyed his football and had a resurgence, it was at Sheffield Wednesday and that must be a key factor in where he puts pen to paper."

Baggies face competition from Leeds in race to Swedish defender

West Brom last month released veteran defender Erik Pieters, while Leeds are set to undergo a major defensive overhaul this summer with Liam Cooper and Luke Ayling out of contract and Rodon set to return to Tottenham following the end of his loan spell.

Rodon's future is high on Leeds' list of priorities. The Welshman has just 12 months remaining on his contract, with Tottenham having exercised a one-year extension option last week, but he's surplus to requirements at Spurs.

Smith played a big part in helping his current side to secure promotion to the Bundesliga at the end of last term and is under contract until the end of next season.