Sky Bet Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion are keeping close tabs on Yeovil full-back Tom James, according to the Express and Star.
The 22-year-old regularly impressed in Darren Way’s squad last season and is expected to cost under £500,000.
However, interest from Swansea and Hull City could see the fee for the full-back increase. The Glovers have sold only one player for cash in the previous four years, when winger Otis Khan joined Mansfield Town earlier this summer for around £100,000.
The defender predominantly plays at right-back, however the Wales youth international can play anywhere across the defensive line and as a right midfielder.
WBA have already signed two defenders this summer after losing Jonny Evans to Leicester for £3.5m as well as releasing Gareth McAuley. The Baggies have signed up Kyle Bartley from Swansea in a £4m deal and Conor Townsend from Scunthorpe United, although the further addition of James is commonly seen as a deal to provide competition to Allan Nyom.
“We don’t want to sell our best players but we are at least in a position to be remunerated for departures that will allow this club to continue to evolve,” said Glovers boss Darren Way.
James, a Wales under-19 international, featured 51 times for Yeovil last season and the Cardiff City academy product helped the Glovers reach the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round and the Checkatrade Trophy semi-final.
The transfer window shuts in just over a week’s time, but EFL clubs can still bring in players on loan until August 31.
