Football League World

In the early 2000s, Charlton Athletic were one of the mainstays in the Premier League, finishing as high as seventh in the 2003/04 season.

Their starting right back throughout that time was a former seven-time England international, Luke Young, who not only made his breakthrough in the Three Lions’ senior squad whilst he was playing at The Valley, but also made more appearances there than he did in the rest of his career.

Young enjoyed a truly incredible career where he played consistent top-flight football for 14 straight years, amassing 378 Premier League appearances and only playing one league game outside the division - his final game for QPR in April 2014.

Many clubs will remember him fondly, but it’s at Charlton Athletic where he is known best.

Luke Young’s £3 million Charlton switch from Tottenham Hotspur

Luke Young started his career in the Tottenham Hotspur academy, making his first-team debut in November 1998.

That season, 19-year-old Young made 22 appearances in all competitions, started in the League Cup quarter-final victory over Manchester United (which Spurs went on to win) and played all 120 minutes of their FA Cup semi-final defeat against Newcastle United.

Young would spend another couple of seasons at White Hart Lane, playing at least 20 times in the league in both seasons, before he made the switch to the Valley in a move worth £3 million, a week after his 22nd birthday.

Charlton had just finished ninth in their first season back in the Premier League and were looking to make a splash in that summer’s transfer market to retain their top-flight status, and in doing so, landed a right-back who would become a cult hero at the club.

Young would spend six seasons playing for the Addicks, amassing over 200 appearances during that time. Immediately, he was the first-choice right back, and his starts per season jumped from the high teens whilst at Tottenham to the early 30s at the Valley, starting in 34 of the 38 Premier League games in his first campaign at the club.

Charlton's best season during that run saw Young suffer his first real injury setback, as he appeared in just 24 league games throughout the 2003/04 season. The Addicks actually went on a solid run with him out of the side, and found themselves in the top four in January when the full-back returned after missing nearly three months. Ultimately, Charlton dropped off and finished seventh, seven points behind Liverpool, who finished in fourth place.

Young's most productive season came in the 2004/05 campaign, when he started 36 of the 38 Premier League games and helped his side to an 11th-placed finish. That term also saw him net his first goals for the Addicks, as he started the season with two in the opening six games.

It was in May 2005, at the culmination of that campaign, that, following an injury to Gary Neville, he was called up to the England senior squad for the first time. He made his first two England appearances from the bench in friendly wins against the USA and Colombia.

Unfortunately, an ankle injury stopped him from making it to the 2006 World Cup, and he was unable to keep Charlton up the following season. That campaign also saw him miss some time through injury, but the Addicks went on a six-game unbeaten run, which lifted them out of the bottom three upon his return. No wins in the five following that saw their seven-year stay in the top flight end.

At 28 years old, he saw his future outside the Championship and departed the club in July 2007.

Luke Young could have stayed at Charlton if not for their Premier League relegation

Then-Charlton manager Alan Pardew said that Luke Young left the Addicks with his full blessing, appreciating that he wanted to continue his Premier League career, and that sentiment was echoed across the Charlton fanbase as he was clearly good enough to continue in the top flight.

Young would join Middlesbrough for £2.5 million, but his time on Teesside only lasted a season before he made the switch to Aston Villa, who were in the midst of a series of top-six finishes and European campaigns between 2005-2008.

His first season at Villa Park saw him play seven times in the UEFA Cup as Aston Villa made it to the Round-Of-32 stage. Young even captained the side in their 2-0 defeat to CSKA Moscow, which ultimately knocked them out of the competition.

He spent two more seasons at Aston Villa before signing for QPR following their promotion to the Premier League.

It was clear that Young was driven by the dream of playing in the Premier League, and he retired having made 378 appearances in the English top flight. Perhaps if Charlton had stayed in the division in the 2006/07 campaign, Young would have remained an Addick.

Nevertheless, his time at the Valley is fondly remembered, and he’ll go down in history as a hero at Charlton Athletic.

Damola Ajayi has hit the ground running at Doncaster Rovers, with three goals in two pre-season outings.

The Tottenham attacker, who has joined the newly-promoted Sky Bet League One outfit for the full 2025/26 season, struck in his debut before netting a brace to follow it up.

While it is only pre-season, the early evidence is very exciting for all involved, with Ajayi making a good first impression at his new club.

Damola Ajayi has hit the ground running at Doncaster Rovers

It has been an unconventional approach to pre-season for Doncaster, with a game of two 60-minute halves and a day containing two matches in the space of only a few hours already taking place.

The main aim is getting minutes into the legs of the Rovers players, while also giving the slew of new recruits a chance to get used to their new surroundings and teammates.

Spurs youngster Ajayi has taken full advantage of that, transitioning seamlessly into his first loan excursion away from the Premier League outfit's academy. Alongside fellow new signing Brandon Hanlan, Ajayi made an instant impression by scoring in Doncaster's first outing of pre-season away to Alfreton Town.

That got the ball rolling for the teenager, who immediately sparked excitement among the Rovers faithful.

His second game saw a double scored away to Lincolnshire's Stamford AFC. The Spurs youngster, who found the back of the net in the triumphant Europa League campaign for his parent club last term, neatly polished off his first goal.

He added a great finish to double his account, showing individual quality to curl an effort from around 25-yards out into the side-netting.

It may only be a couple of pre-season friendlies, but the impression Ajayi has made is a wholly positive one. Not just for his goals either, with his skillfulness and trickery on display for all to see in the glimpses fans have been exposed to.

Positive signs for Grant McCann, but also Tottenham

It comes as a real boost for Rovers first and foremost, with manager Grant McCann surely licking his lips at the prospect of a summer signing hitting the ground running.

Doncaster have been busy in the transfer market, adding close to double-digits of new recruits after winning the League Two crown last season.

The early signs from the likes of Ajayi show that the summer business may well prove to be quality work from McCann and the higher-ups at the Eco-Power Stadium, while former Wycombe Wanderers striker Brandon Hanlan and Dundee United winger Glenn Middleton have also shone early on.

The 19-year-old Ajayi has creativity and confidence in his ability, standing him in good stead to turn his positive outings during friendlies into impactful work in the regular season.

But, the early signs are not just good for his temporary home. For Spurs, they show positive signs too, with Ajayi being one of the biggest prospects coming out of the club's academy.

He made a nine-minute cameo against Swedish side Elfsborg, netting in front of the home Tottenham Hotspur Stadium crowd in European competition. So, clearly, the club have high hopes for him to give him such an opportunity.

The winger has a good track record of goalscoring, including in the North London club's under-18s side, where he managed 13 goals across 22 appearances in the 2023/24 term.

Luton Town are on the verge of completing a transfer deal with UEFA Europa League winners Tottenham for goalkeeper Josh Keeley.

The Hatters will still no doubt be reeling over back-to-back relegations from the Premier League to League One in the space of two seasons, and they have lost a number of key players this summer as a result.

Carlton Morris, Thelo Aasgaard and Thomas Kaminski are just three of the stars that have left the club in recent weeks, but manger Matt Bloomfield has started the process to rejuvinate his squad, with some eye-catching signings arriving in recent weeks.

The triple signing of Hakeem Odoffin, Nahki Wells and Nigel Lonwijk certainly came as a surprise, with Jake Richards, George Saville and a returning Kal Naismith also joining up with Town on permanent deals.

Luton Town agree fee for Tottenham goalkeeper Josh Keeley

And the next through the door at Kenilworth Road could be Kaminski's replacement in-between the sticks, as according to journalist Alasdair Gold, an agreement has been reached with Tottenham to sign Josh Keeley.

The deal is expected to include a sell-on clause as Spurs believe he could develop into a Premier League goalkeeper in the future, and they are cashing in because the 22-year-old has refused to agree a new contract at the club.

Keeley needs no introduction to League One, having spent the 2024-25 season on loan at play-off finalists Leyton Orient.

Kicking on from his half-season stint in the National League the season prior with Barnet, the Irish stopper appeared 45 times in all competitions for the O's under Richie Wellens, keeping 16 league clean sheets as he played a key part in their run to the third tier play-off final at Wembley.

Keeley also caught the headlines in round two of the FA Cup when he scored a last-gasp header against Oldham Athletic to take the tie into extra time, a game in which Orient went on to win 2-1 on their way to eventually meeting Man City in the last 32.

With little sign of a pathway through to the first-team though at Tottenham, Keeley looks poised to take a gamble on himself and drop into League One permanently with Luton.

Luton Town swooping for Josh Keeley could reap them future rewards

If Tottenham are right and they see Keeley as a future Premier League goalkeeper, then this could be an extremely smart investment for Luton.

Having lost Kaminski to Charlton, they needed a new number one and someone to battle with the experienced James Shea, and in Keeley, they appear to have got the modern-day goalkeeper who is good with his feet as well as his hands.

Little is known about the fee that has been agreed for Keeley to join the Hatters, but whatever it is, it's more-than likely that Bloomfield has struck a bargain based on his performances for Leyton Orient last season.

West Brom have stepped up preparations for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

The Baggies’ playing squad are getting used to the new ideas head coach Ryan Mason is looking to implement, with the Black Country outfit drawing 1-1 with Dynamo Kyiv in a behind-closed-doors friendly game in Austria.

So far during the summer transfer window, Albion have recruited two new faces to the club, with seasoned Championship defender Nat Phillips linking up at The Hawthorns, while the club recently announced the capture of Norwegian striker Aune Heggebo from SK Brann.

Albion are still dealing with ongoing P&S issues, but are expected to remain active throughout the summer transfer window as they aim to build a squad good enough to compete for promotion back to the Premier League.

With this in mind, FLW has identified two players West Brom should sign before their season gets underway on the 9th of August against Blackburn Rovers.

Harry Toffolo

Left-back is an area that West Brom still need to address this summer.

Callum Styles occupied that position for the majority of last season, while Gianluca Frabotta failed to start a league game and has been touted for an exit this summer to ease P&S issues.

However, Styles’ natural position is in midfield, with his diminutive size an area opposition teams can target with long balls into the left channel.

To combat that, one player who would be a cheap and affordable option is full-back Harry Toffolo, who remains a free agent following his release from Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest.

Toffolo has Championship experience in abundance with 99 second tier appearances, as well as possessing an impressive attacking contributions record at this level, most notably registering six goals and seven assists back in the 2021-22 season for Huddersfield Town.

The 29-year-old is exactly what is needed in the Albion dressing room, possessing vital leadership qualities, knowing the demands of the division and what is required to fight towards the top end of the table.

As Albion lean towards a new era under Shilen Patel, the addition of Toffolo could be important to help strengthen the backline and bring about a winning mentality.

Mikey Moore

Meanwhile, the Baggies are yet to make any additions out wide despite the loss of Grady Diangana.

Tom Fellows’ future also remains up in the air after notching 14 assists in the second tier last season, with top-flight side Everton repeatedly linked with making a move.

Meanwhile, in their friendly against Dynamo Kyiv this month, Ryan Mason elected to use Mikey Johnston on the right-wing, as the Irishman looks set to stay at the club after his £5 million move to Flamengo fell through.

If Fellows leaves and Johnston is preferred on the right side, then competition will be imperative for Karlan Grant on the opposite flank.

This is where Mason could benefit from using his connections to Tottenham Hotspur and bring about a deal to sign Spurs youngster Mikey Moore, who has previously been linked with a loan move to Albion, as well as Birmingham City.

Moore would be a superb addition at second tier level, having a breakthrough term in the top-flight last campaign and ready to earn regular first-team game time to prove why there is so much hype and excitement about the 17-year-old.

While Albion’s wide options seem healthy right now, a lot can change before the start of the season, and adding Moore to the playing squad may be a vital decision to help the club still possess a sharp attacking line in matchday one.

Plymouth Argyle are well underway with preparations for their upcoming League One campaign.

The Pilgrims ended last season 11th in the Championship form table but couldn’t overturn their disastrous start under Wayne Rooney and suffered relegation.

New manager Tom Cleverley has added Aribim Pepple, Jack MacKenzie, Brendan Wiredu, Caleb Watts, Bradley Ibrahim, Xavier Amaechi, Jamie Paterson, Owen Oseni and Ayman Benarous to his ranks during the early stages of the transfer window.

This has already given them a slight edge over the other promotion candidates, but Argyle can’t rest on their laurels.

Adding extra quality when market opportunities occur late in the window can make a real difference across 46 games and these often happen in the shape of loan deals.

Plymouth Argyle should make another Tottenham Hotspur swoop after Alfie Devine, Ash Phillips successes - Dane Scarlett would fit the bill

The Pilgrims have had great success in the loan market recently, especially when Tottenham Hotspur have been the parent club.

In January 2024, Argyle were looking to add some extra strength to their squad as they aimed to retain their Championship status.

In came Tottenham Hotspur pair Ashley Phillips and Alfie Devine, who featured consistently for the rest of the campaign.

The duo helped give Plymouth the slight edge needed to achieve their goal of survival, beating out Birmingham City by a single point after 46 games, and both players have gone on to develop further away from north London - Devine played for Westerlo in the Belgian top flight last season, whilst Phillips had a productive stint at Stoke City.

Now back in League One, Cleverley and the Plymouth recruitment team could try to do another deal with Spurs, even though they're in a division lower than when they struck deals for Phillips and Devine, but they could offer a certain player regular minutes that are desperately needed.

Dane Scarlett spent the first half of last season on loan with second-tier outfit Oxford United. The 21-year-old netted four times for the Championship side but was recalled in January and subsequently saw his game-time dwindle.

Despite this, he scored against Elfsborg in the Europa League, highlighting the vast potential the striker still possesses.

Scarlett displayed the natural inconsistencies that come with his tender age with Oxford United last term, but a move to a competitive League One outfit could be just what he needs to get his development back on track.

With creative influences such as Benarous, Amaechi, Paterson and Watts freshly installed into the squad, Scarlett would provide an exciting, energetic young forward to try and convert the chances they produce.

Furthermore, the forward could combine with fellow marksman Pepple and allow Cleverley to operate with two players up front.

This duo would give League One defences nightmares all year long, consistently stretching backlines with continuous runs in behind.

Scarlett completed 0.91 successful take-ons per game last year, highlighting his ability to beat a man and cause problems. This trait can prove crucial for more competitive teams in a division, who will have to break down multiple low blocks across 46 games.

Argyle’s new manager has shown his willingness to develop young players in the past and could use this opportunity to harness a striker with such vast potential.

Dane Scarlett would relish Plymouth Argyle opportunity

Last season would’ve been a frustrating one for Scarlett, who showed in moments why he is so highly rated by Spurs.

His sharp attacking instinct and explosive playing style would make him a brilliant asset for a lot of teams in the second-tier, but his adaptation to the physicality of that level didn’t allow the striker to show what he can do to full effect.

In League One, he will be provided with a slightly less harsh division to acclimatise to, and his natural ability should stand out more.

Therefore, the 21-year-old would jump at the opportunity to join a competitive third-tier outfit, where he would be given a perfect platform to continue his development and score a hatful of goals.

West Bromwich Albion’s recent acquisition of Aune Heggebo from SK Brann could throw a spanner in the works for one of their other targets.

The club announced the signing of the Norwegian striker earlier this week, adding another no.9 to an already packed attacking department at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies had also been credited with an interest in bringing Spurs striker Will Lankshear back to the club, having spent half a season with the club on loan last term.

Now, however, with the arrival of Heggebo, questions may arise about how many strikers the squad can hold.

Heggebo signing fills up an already bulging striker department

Heggebo looks an exciting signing, having racked up goals in Eliteserien with SK Brann, and is still only 23 years old, and he’s clearly a player that West Brom have plenty of faith in, given the five-year contract he’s been handed.

A reliable goalscorer has been lacked at the Hawthorns, with Josh Maja the club’s top scorer in the league last season. But many of his goals were concentrated in the first few weeks of the season, suggesting he’s more streaky than consistent, a theory not yet totally proved on account of a calf injury that ruled him out for the second half of the season.

Heggebo will need to battle Maja for minutes, but that’s not all, as the likes of Karlan Grant, Daryl Dike and Devante Cole will all be vying for minutes in the same position, presuming they all remain at the club beyond this summer.

It certainly gives Ryan Mason plenty to think about in terms of selection, a problem that would only be worsened by adding another striker into the mix.

West Brom want to give Lankshear another shot

Although Lankshear didn’t manage to net a goal in his 11 Championship outings for West Brom last season, it’s clear the hierarchy saw something in the player during his time at the Hawthorns.

Sources informed football.london that the Baggies want Lankshear back again next season, in what would almost certainly be another loan.

They are, however, not alone in that desire, with other Championship sides and clubs abroad thought to be in the mix.

At current count, minutes for a young striker like Lankshear looks difficult with the experience and talent at West Brom’s disposal in that area.

West Brom could be the ideal move for Lankshear in some ways

West Brom manager Mason was, of course, synonymous with the Spurs setup having spent over seven years there in various coaching and management roles, including with the academy that Lankshear is still currently part of.

Mason will therefore be well aware of Lankshear’s talent, already know a great deal about him and have a good idea of what he’s capable of and how to get the most out of him.

Lankshear would also feel relaxed, entering a dressing with a familiar face in Mason running things.

Tough competition may also not be the worst thing for Lankshear, getting him up to speed with what’s required to be a full-time professional at that level, while avoiding piling too much pressure on the youngster with plenty of experienced pros to rely on for goals.

Nevertheless, the striker count at the Hawthorns still feels slightly too excessive to add Lankshear into the mix.

West Brom could be the ideal landing spot for Lankshear this season, but it feels like departures are needed before that becomes the case.

Tyler Dibling was the shining light in Southampton’s otherwise dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

The 19-year-old played 33 times in the top-flight last term and performed at a consistently high level.

This brought forward the attention of suitors such as Tottenham Hotspur, who had a £35 million bid rejected for the teenager in January.

Southampton made a statement by reportedly demanding £100 million for Dibling earlier this summer, but it has since been reported that the Saints could be negotiated with to lower this amount, with a £65 million price-tag now the reported figure.

Spurs are thought to still be interested in a move for the young midfielder, who has proven to be a capable Premier League operator.

Lee Hendrie weighs in on Tyler Dibling’s Southampton situation

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes that the Saints may be resigned to losing the talent but admits the South Coast side could price interested parties out of a move.

“My gut feeling is that Tyler Dibling will leave Southampton,” Hendrie told FLW.

“You'd put him in a category with the likes of Gustavo Hamer - the players who have really proved that they would stand out in the Championship, and this boy's got massive, massive potential.

“I think that the only thing that might keep him at the football club is Southampton’s valuation of how much he's worth. Around £65 million, who's going to pay that sort of money?

“I think there's no doubt that this boy's going to be a player and he's already a player, it's just whether someone can get him at a cut price fee and really get the best out of him.

“I think that'll be the thing that might keep him there next season. But as we know, these deals can always be varied.

“They can always be knocked down; there can be add-ons and all the rest of it. That might just tempt Southampton to take the money and give him the opportunity to go and play Premier League football.”

Southampton could benefit from lowering Tyler Dibling asking price

On the surface, keeping Dibling at St. Mary’s next season would boost Southampton’s chances of achieving promotion straight back to the Premier League.

His performances in the top-flight last term were impressive enough to suggest that he would be one of the Championship’s leading midfield stars.

However, if Will Still and Southampton sold the teenager for a hefty price, it might provide them with a substantial amount of money to reinvest back into their squad.

As a result, selling Dibling could potentially result in the South Coast outfit strengthening as a group, boosting their overall chances of securing promotion.

As they prepare for a second successive season in the Championship, Oxford United will be looking to build on survival last year and cement themselves as a team that belongs in the second-tier.

To do so, the U’s will have to become a little bit more adventurous in order to sustain themselves in the Championship, and that will require a bit more thrust and intricacy in the final third.

Having gained promotion under Des Buckingham, Oxford then struggled to become effective and robust enough in the Championship, leading to him being replaced by Gary Rowett in December.

The former Birmingham City and Millwall boss certainly shut things down at the Kassam Stadium, and made them immensely difficult to play against and beat.

The one growing concern, that was eventually allayed by survival, within the fanbase would be the lack of creativity and efficiency in the final third; a lack of spark.

Oxford will likely be tough to play against one again next season, but they need something extra in the final third and the man who could fill that void would be Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Jamie Donley.

Oxford should pursue ambitious move for Donley

Now, it has to be said from the off that a move for Donley would be an ambitious one, especially with Ryan Mason’s West Bromwich Albion said to be interested in the 20-year-old.

As well as that, Spurs are currently holding off on sanctioning a loan move for the former England youth international until new manager Thomas Frank has a look at him from close quarters in pre-season.

If a deal was to eventually be something possible, though, then Oxford should try and push themselves right to the front of the queue, as he would be the ideal man for the number ten position in a Gary Rowett system.

Versatile in terms of position because, whilst a natural so-called ‘ten’, he would have the ability to drift and float wide depending on the formation, whether Rowett prefer a back four for next season in something like a 4-2-3-1 shape, or he goes with a back three, whether that be by using two tens, one ten or wingers in attack – Donley fits the bill regardless.

Another practical element would be the physicality that Donley possesses. Rowett is known for his attritional, percentage-based football, and that often requires ‘big lads’, for want of a more sophisticated and nuanced expression, getting around the pitch.

Donley is technically excellent and can glide around the pitch but, at 6 ft and with his build, having now played a season of EFL football, he is also capable of putting himself about.

Then we can get onto the gifts that Donley would be able to provide Rowett with the ball at his feet; and especially from set-pieces, such as corner kicks, for which a Rowett side tends to be most threatening from.

The Northern Ireland international can strike with both feet, has dead-ball ability and a speed of thought that marked him out as a level above League One last season.

Why Oxford would work for Donley

Having played for a more ideological coach in Wellens, with a desire to play attacking and free flowing, fluent football, it would perhaps now aid Donley to not necessarily go to the other extreme, but work with someone further down the spectrum in terms of Rowett.

Thomas Frank, someone who appears to balance a desire for progressive, modern day football with a pragmatic awareness to get the best out of the players at his disposal, is someone who falls in between and that would only help Donley moving forward.

As well as that, it is likely to remain crucial that he gets regular game time and remains a key man wherever he is, and whilst that could be the case with the Baggies, it is far more likely at Oxford.

The U’s tried to bring in some maverick creativity last summer with the arrival of Louie Sibley, but that move hasn’t worked out, and Ruben Rodrigues has also now departed the club for Brazilian side Vitoria.

Donley can fill the void of attacking ingenuity at Oxford, whilst becoming a, or perhaps the, key man for a Championship outfit next season, if Spurs sanction the move and Oxford do come calling.

The summer transfer window is well underway as West Brom look to make additions for new boss Ryan Mason.

Albion have completed one acquisition so far in the form of seasoned Championship defender Nat Phillips, with The Hawthorns expected to be a busy place for both incomings and outgoings as financial issues continue to linger.

Controlling shareholder Shilen Patel admitted the Black Country outfit will have to be “pragmatic, adaptable, and resourceful” in areas like player trading this summer, as P&S problems remain similar to last season.

With transfer speculation ramping up, FLW brings you all the latest transfer news surrounding West Brom.

David Brooks will not join West Brom despite advanced claims

Bournemouth's David Brooks will not be signing for West Brom despite claims on social media suggesting the winger was on the verge of moving to The Hawthorns.

Online speculation claimed a medical was being completed ahead of a move from the South Coast, but it has now been confirmed by BBC WM and West Brom commentator Steve Hermon that Brooks will not be joining the Baggies, while Express & Star reporter Lewis Cox claimed that negotiations had never reached an advanced stage.

It’s undoubtedly a blow for Albion, who would have profited off a quality wide option who had experience of winning two promotions to the Premier League while recently shining at Southampton on loan in the second tier a couple of seasons ago.

Reyes Cleary makes West Brom exit to Barnsley

West Brom forward Reyes Cleary has completed a permanent move to League One side Barnsley.

The 21-year-old has put an end to his three-year association with the Baggies after breaking through Albion’s academy set-up, penning a three-year contract at Oakwell, with the Tykes having the option of a fourth.

Cleary had two loan spells away from The Hawthorns last season, firstly at Walsall, which was very underwhelming, before finding his feet in non-league with Hartlepool Town and leaving a positive impression.

The frontman will taste third tier football for the first time in his career, hoping a settled and fresh environment can bring the best out of him.

West Brom table interest in QPR’s Charlie Kelman

West Brom are considering making a summer swoop for QPR forward Charlie Kelman after his superb loan spell in League One last season with Leyton Orient.

Journalist Darren Witcoop has claimed that Albion are keen on securing the American’s services after the forward netted 23 times in the third tier, helping Leyton Orient reach the play-off final.

It's said that the Baggies are "ready to move" for Kelman, but they will face stiff competition, after Football League World previously revealed that up to eight Championship clubs are tracking the 23-year-old.

Albion certainly need a third striking option after the departures of Will Lankshear and Adam Armstrong to support Josh Maja and Daryl Dike, as Devante Cole could make an exit this summer after a dismal opening term in blue and white.

Tottenham Hotspur to offer West Brom Mikey Moore a long-term contract

As per a report by Football London, Tottenham Hotspur are hopeful of tying down West Brom target Mikey Moore to a new long-term contract, offering an improved bumper deal to the impressive 17-year-old.

Moore had a breakthrough term at Spurs under Ange Postecoglou, making 19 appearances, including 10 in the top-flight, as well as being included in the England U19 European Championship setup this month.

His current contract runs down in the summer of 2027, but negotiations have got underway about securing his long-term future.

Football Insider previously claimed that the Baggies are rivalling Birmingham City to take Moore on loan, while FLW revealed Hull City had entered the race for his signature.

The Football London report states that new Spurs head coach, Thomas Frank, is yet to decide what Moore’s future looks like next season and whether he’ll be made available for a loan switch, but a new contract extension is ensuring the North London outfit keep hold of their talent for years to come and are not forced into a permanent sale down the line.

West Brom linked with Will Lankshear reunion

According to a report by the Birmingham Mail, West Brom are keen on resigning Will Lankshear on loan from Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The forward joined the Baggies for the seocnd half of last season back in January, but failed to make much of an impact, lying low in the pecking order of a strong forward department and unable to net for the club from 11 appearances.

However, Ryan Mason is keen to use his past connections as a Spurs coach to bring Lankshear back to B71.

The 34-year-old is reportedly keen on giving the youngster more opportunities to showcase what he’s capable of at Championship level, and he could well get further game time due to Josh Maja and Daryl Dike’s previous fitness issues.

Birmingham City and West Brom summer target Mikey Moore is reportedly set to be offered a new long-term contract at Tottenham Hotspur.

The 17-year-old is a rising star in the English game and one of Spurs’ brightest talents in the academy, which has led to significant interest from Championship clubs to expose him to regular first-team football.

Birmingham and West Brom hold ties to Tottenham through their managers as they both look to lure Moore to their clubs, with both Chris Davies and Ryan Mason holding coaching roles with the North London outfit before taking on their respective jobs.

Football Insider claimed earlier in the summer that the West Midlands rivals are set to rival each other for the addition of the wideman, but a development has emerged that could see the clubs competing for only a loan deal.

Tottenham Hotspur in talks to secure Mikey Moore to a long-term contract

As per a report by Football London, Tottenham Hotspur are hopeful of tying down Mikey Moore to a new long-term contract, offering an improved bumper deal to the impressive 17-year-old.

Moore had a breakthrough term at Spurs under Ange Postecoglou, making 19 appearances, including 10 in the top-flight, as well as being included in the England U19 European Championship setup this month.

The versatile attacker currently has a contract running through at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until 2027, but negotiations have got underway about securing his long-term future.

New head coach Thomas Frank will decide what Moore’s future looks like next season and whether he’ll be made available for a loan switch, but a new contract extension is ensuring Spurs keep hold of their talent for years to come and are not forced into a permanent sale down the line.

This will come as a bitter blow for the likes of Birmingham and West Brom, who may have been debating a permanent switch had he made a blistering impact in his second tier debut season.

Birmingham City, West Brom forced into only a loan move for Mikey Moore

Birmingham City and West Brom had only been linked with loan swoops for Mikey Moore to begin with, but both clubs could have been considering a full-time switch if he had settled into the Championship with ease and torn the second tier apart.

This plan would go up in smoke should Moore want to place his long-term future in North London, while the West Midlands duo could battle several more clubs who would be interested in a simple loan agreement with no strings attached. Football League World exclusively revealed recently that Hull City have entered the race.

Meanwhile, there is still uncertainty over whether the youngster will be made available for a move away in the first place, so it’s set to be a long and painful waiting game before discovering whether they can both try and secure an agreement.

One thing is for sure though is that Tottenham see the potential, and Blues and Albion are likely to only see one season of it.