West Brom took another step towards a new era on Thursday night.
That came with the announcement that an agreement has been reached with Florida-based businessman Shilen Patel that will see him purchase a controlling stake in the club’s holding company.
As a result, Patel is now set to become the new West Brom chairman as of next week, in what looks to be an exciting next step for those at The Hawthorns.
Having taken on that role, it now seems as though it may not be long before Patel oversees his first signing with his new club.
West Brom closing in on Yann M’Vila signing
Earlier this month, it was reported that the Baggies were close to completing a deal to sign midfielder Yann M’Vila.
The 33-year-old is a free agent, meaning he can be signed despite the fact the transfer has now closed.
It was claimed that the Frenchman was keen on a move that would see him become a West Brom player on a contract until the end of the season.
Providing an update on his side’s links with the midfielder, it seems Corberan believes a deal is close to being completed.
Responding to questions about the potential signing of M’Vila, the West Brom boss told The Birmingham Mail: “We are working on this process, this process is starting to be in the last step.
“Hopefully in the next week we have better news, and hopefully and we can have him in the next week because we are in the last part of the work permit process.”
Next up for West Brom is the visit of Southampton to The Hawthorns on Friday night.
Midfielder addition a smart move for the Baggies
It does feel as though completing the signing of M’Vila would be a useful move for Corberan’s side.
Injuries to the likes of Jayson Molumby and Adam Reach have left West Brom short on options in the centre of the park.
Bringing in M’Vila will give the Baggies some useful depth in that position, until they are able to strengthen on a more long-term basis in the summer window.
The 33-year-old will also add some welcome experience to this squad, which could help them to get over the line in the race for promotion, or at least a play-off place.
With M’Vila having also spent a period with Sunderland in the past, he is not a complete stranger to English football either, which may help him to settle in at The Hawthorns.
Of course, it does appear as though the foundations of this deal may well have been laid before the takeover of the club was announced.
Even so, getting this deal over the line, that does seem to be needed, would still be a positive start to life for the regime at West Brom.