West Brom star to leave for £0? Bristol City, Charlton & Preston North End should ready contract offers | OneFootball

FLW takes a look at three clubs that could sign West Brom's Josh Maja this summer upon the expiry of his Baggies deal

It's been a torrid season for West Bromwich Albion, who find themselves in an unfamiliar position in the EFL Championship table, with relegation to League One a genuine possibility for the Baggies.

West Brom are synonymous with being in and around the upper echelons of the second-tier table, with the club having not dipped into the bottom half of the Championship since 2000.

Now, under the watch of former player James Morrison until the end of the season, with Ryan Mason's and Eric Ramsay's tenures going disastrously, the Baggies sit within real contention of falling into the bottom three come May.

With Sheffield Wednesday already confirmed to be playing their football in the third tier next season, it leaves just two spots up for grabs, with the likes of Oxford United, Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers, and Portsmouth all still on the cusp of danger.

Whether or not they do face the drop this season, a huge summer overhaul will be required at The Hawthorns, either to ensure they don't find themselves in this position again next year or to prepare them for League One football.

Either way, many will leave at the end of the campaign, with one of those likely being Nigerian forward Josh Maja, whose contract is due to expire with the Baggies this summer.

Maja has struggled to hit the heights he is capable of this season and potentially looks primed to exit, as FLW takes a look at three potential destinations where the 27-year-old could land for next year.

Bristol City

Arguably the most quintessential Championship team at this stage, possibly alongside Preston North End, this is Bristol City's 11th consecutive season in the English second tier, with a 12th looking increasingly likely.

Having achieved a play-off spot in the Championship for the first time in 17 years last campaign under Liam Manning, they looked to replicate that feat this time around under Austrian boss Gerhard Struber, and with the season entering its final phase, they remain in contention for a spot in the top six.

However, an excellent run of form between now and May is required to achieve that, and whilst it's certainly not out of the question, the likelihood that they will be playing Championship football once again next year is high.

Should they remain in the second tier, another forward may be required, with Sinclair Armstrong and Emil Riis the club's only two permanent forwards, after Delano Burgzorg joined on loan in January.

Another body up top will likely be a priority heading into the summer, and the Robins could do a lot worse than West Brom's Maja.

The Nigerian has proven he knows where the back of the net is at this level. If he is provided the service, there are a few better finishers in the division than him.

Although this season has gone far from planned in front of goal for Maja, a fresh start may be what's required to kick his career back into life, and Ashton Gate could be the perfect destination to begin his resurgence.

Charlton Athletic

Under Nathan Jones, Charlton Athletic have continually fended off the immediate danger of relegation this season, following their promotion from League One.

The Addicks look well-placed for another spot in the second tier next year, barring a total collapse in form, and will likely already be making preparations for next year.

Charlton largely utilised the third tier and free agent market this summer to strengthen their side for this campaign, and will likely have to take their recruitment policy to the next level to build upon this year's success.

Whilst they won't necessarily be able to break the bank, a year in the Championship means they will likely be able to attract a higher calibre of player, and Maja could be just that.

With doubts about Miles Leaburn's long-term future in the Championship, Lyndon Dykes only under contract until the end of the season, and Matt Godden probably coming to the end of his time as a second tier player, another forward option could be a necessity this summer.

Maja would be an exceptional pick-up for Charlton, with a century of appearances at Championship level, he can help to elevate Jones' side to the next level, and if he is provided the service, he could absolutely thrive at The Valley.

Preston North End

Like Bristol City, Preston are poised for another year in the Championship, with their form dropping off dramatically in recent weeks.

Under the guidance of former Leeds United and Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom, Preston were superb in the first half of the season to remain in promotion contention despite spending little over the summer, and in fact, during their whole tenure in the second tier.

Free signings and loan deals were the main routes of their incomings at Deepdale this summer, with both Lewis Dobbin and Daniel Jebbison joining on loan up front, whilst Michael Smith joined on a free to bolster their front line already containing Milutin Osmajic.

Though with Dobbin and Jebbison set to leave after their loan spells, Smith not getting any younger, and Osmajic garnering a reputation for being a loose cannon, as well with an expiring contract in 2027, fresh blood up top will probably be needed in Lancashire next year.

Maja would fit in line with their free transfer pattern, and would add another option up top to a forward line that will desperately need a new face.