West Brom should have one eye on Cardiff City situation if the worst happens with Tom Fellows | OneFootball

The Baggies could eye up a move for Cardiff City’s Cian Ashford to replace Tom Fellows during the summer transfer window.

West Brom have finally found their successor to Tony Mowbray by appointing former Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason.

The 33-year-old has ended Albion’s six-week search for a head coach, with the former Hull City midfielder tasked with building a side good enough to compete for a place back in the Premier League.

The Black Country outfit will be aiming to end a five-year exodus from the top-flight, with significant transfer activity expected both with incomings and outgoings.

As attention turns to the summer window, the Baggies will have to balance the books by selling a number of first-team figures as their financial issues grumble on, and wideman Tom Fellows could be someone who could head for the exit door.

For a replacement, Albion could take advantage of Cardiff City’s relegation to League One and make a move for Cian Ashford, who made a breakthrough during the second half of the Bluebirds’ campaign.

Tom Fellows’s current situation at West Brom

Tom Fellows was sensational this season for West Brom, establishing himself as their main creative outlet from the right flank.

The 21-year-old recorded a superb tally of 14 assists throughout the second tier campaign, rounding off the regular season with two goals and an assist to condemn Luton Town to League One football.

Such a regular creator of opportunities to the forward line due to his low centre of gravity, Fellows has been touted for moves to the Premier League.

A report from TeamTalk claimed the Toffees had submitted late bids of both £10 million and £15 million during the January transfer window for Fellows' services, but they were swiftly rejected as Albion weren’t keen on losing such a crucial player mid-season.

TeamTalk also stated that Everton are keen to add a creative right-winger to their squad and Fellows fits the profile perfectly, while Brighton are in search of Championship stars after recently completing the capture of Sunderland’s play-off hero Tommy Watson.

After revealing to have lost £33.9m over the course of the 2023/24 financial season, West Brom will have to cut their cloth accordingly by selling some of their top talent, and Fellows is likely to generate the most cash in order to keep the club competitive in the second tier.

West Brom should make a move for Cian Ashford should Tom Fellows depart The Hawthorns

West Brom should already be drafting up replacements in the event Tom Fellows departs the club, and Cardiff’s Cian Ashford should be at the top of the shortlist.

A different type of profile to Fellows, the young Welshman possesses versatility in abundance. Comfortable on either foot and flank, he can also play in attacking midfield, where his ball-carrying quality offered a huge boost to Cardiff.

Ashford also has the ability to take on opposing full-backs with his sharp speed, directness and risk-taking, allowing supporters to get out of their seats through the excitement he provides on the ball.

With West Brom set to receive a significant amount of money to sell Fellows, Cardiff may be forced to sell if Albion provide an offer they cannot refuse, while Ashford is certainly one of very few Cardiff players who deserves another shot at Championship football after adapting to second tier life well.

With huge potential and getting a first taste for second tier action, Ashford has the potential to develop into a world-class player and could play a significant role in Albion’s quest to get back to the big time under Ryan Mason, should a deal develop.