The appointment of Alan Irvine as West Bromwich Albion's new coach didn't go down too well at The Hawthorns when it was first announced, but the former Everton Academy chief has already made some significant additions to the first-team squad.
England international Joleon Lescott has been signed on a free transfer after he was released by Manchester City, Chris Baird has been brought in after he ended his spell with Fulham, while the Baggies have spent £10m to bring Nigerian striker Brown Ideye to the West Midlands after he enjoyed a successful period with Dynamo Kiev.
A number of defensive signings are also said to be close to completion, so with that in mind, Sports Mole have suggested three additions that Irvine could make further up the pitch.
1. Gary Hooper, Norwich City
After scoring 82 goals during three years with Celtic, there was the expectancy that Gary Hooper would replicate that kind of form with Norwich City during his first campaign in the Premier League, but the former Scunthorpe United attacker found himself in and out of the side at Carrow Road as Chris Hughton opted to play just one striker. Although he still managed to find the net on eight occasions, that role didn't suit the 26-year-old, and he wasn't given the opportunity to show his qualities in the penalty area.
The Canaries are likely to be keen to retain the services of Hooper, but if they could recoup the £5m that they paid for the striker, they could be tempted into a sale as they look to manage their finances ahead of their return to the Championship. Despite the arrival of Ideye, Albion are still light of a front-line striker, and a move for Hooper could suit both the club and player. Some of the fee spent on Hooper could be offset by the sale of Victor Anichebe, who scored just three goals last season, and if Albion could make one of the loan signings suggested below, they would be well prepared for an improved campaign this time around.
2. Wilfried Zaha
When he made the move from Crystal Palace to Manchester United, Wilfried Zaha was tipped to have a big future at Old Trafford but after a rumoured disagreement with David Moyes, the England international barely featured during the first six months of his stay in the North-West and was subsequently loaned to Cardiff City. The 21-year-old gained more playing time in South Wales but after failing to net in 11 appearances, his spell with the Bluebirds proved to be a failure. It has been reported that upon his arrival at United this summer Louis van Gaal gave everyone a clean slate and the chance to prove themselves, but rumours have emerged that concerns over Zaha's attitude have materialised after he failed to attend an optional training session.
If that story is true, Zaha faces the prospect of a lengthy spell on the substitutes' bench and he would be best advised to push for another temporary move away from the club. One of his possible destinations could be West Brom, who are lacking a pacey winger who can take the game to their opponents. The Baggies have Saido Berahino, but like Zaha, he is still developing in the top flight and Irvine might be best suited to rotating the 20-year-old with someone of a similar standing to get the best out of both players.
3. Nick Powell
Ever since he arrived at Old Trafford from Crewe Alexandra in 2012, Nick Powell has been regarded as "one for the future", but after proving himself during a season-long loan spell with Wigan Athletic, where he scored 12 goals in 42 games, including three in six in the Europa League, the 20-year-old could be ready for the step up to the Premier League. As of yet, it's unclear what Powell's best position is after being employed in centre midfield and attack, but his versatility could prove to be a valuable asset to whoever signs him this summer.
Powell has indicated that he is keen to impress new Manchester United boss Van Gaal, but the likelihood is that the England Under-21 international will be granted the opportunity to gain regular first-team football elsewhere. With Albion expected to place focus on a passing game under Irvine, that style of play could suit Powell, who in the past has shown that he has the touch and ability around the 18-yard box to change the course of a match. Stephane Sessegnon offers Albion a similar option, but the former Sunderland man failed to impress for much of last season, and the freshness and youthful exuberance of Powell could prove more appealing to Irvine and West Brom's supporters.
