West Brom face uphill battle in chase for Preston North End star

West Brom want midfielder Ali McCann but Preston North End want him to sign a new deal and he could prove too pricey regardless, as per Alan Nixon.

West Brom are at the start of a new chapter as they embark on their first window under Ryan Mason’s lead. The rookie manager joined from Spurs as the permanent replacement for Tony Mowbray at WBA.

The Baggies have ambitions of breaking back into the top six after coming up short last season, though Mason’s squad needs strengthening for such a push.

There has been some encouraging noise at The Hawthorns early on but so far, Nat Phillips is the only man to sign. However, West Brom are looking to change that, and one man on the radar is Ali McCann.

Writing on his Patreon, reporter Alan Nixon says WBA are admirers of Northern Irish star McCann, who is an influential player at Championship rivals Preston North End.

However, the Baggies will face an uphill battle if they make a firm move to try and sign the 25-year-old.

It is said that Preston are looking to tie McCann down to a new contract, with his current deal up in 2027. Discussions over that are ongoing, but even if he doesn’t sign fresh terms, West Brom may not be able to afford him regardless.

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A key player at Deepdale

Edinburgh-born McCann made the move south of the border in 2021, joining Preston North End from St. Johnstone.

Since then, he has gone on to play 133 times for the Lilywhites, chipping in with four goals and two assists while mainly playing as a central or defensive midfielder.

The rumoured West Brom target was one of PNE’s best performers last season, with Player of the Year winner Kaine Kesler-Hayden one of few with a case for a stronger campaign at Deepdale. McCann’s tackles won rate ranked him within the division’s top 5% last season, also figuring as a regular duel winner while up against some bigger foes in the middle of the park.

Mason’s midfield options at West Brom

West Brom have some talented midfielders on the books but many will argue it is a position that needs strengthening ahead of next season. Ousmane Diakite could be set for a breakthrough campaign while Isaac Price has been a big hit since joining in January.

Alongside them are some more experienced operators in Alex Mowatt and Jayson Molumby, but more depth and competition is a must if Mason is to get the best out of these players.

As such, McCann could be a great option for WBA, but they may have to look elsewhere if the Northern Ireland international is going to prove too expensive.