West Bromwich Albion are trying to rebuild their assault under James Morrison’s leadership and have been linked with a deal for Ipswich Town’s Kasey McAteer. However, that move does not appear to be going anywhere, which is a painful blow for the Baggies.

Rumours have circulated on social media that West Brom are interested in signing Ipswich and Irish international winger McAteer, but those rumours have since been denied.

According to Stuart Watson via X, McAteer is part of Suffolk’s plans for the 2018 Premier League season under Gary O’Neil, with a summer departure highly unlikely.

According to Steve Tudgay, West Brom made an enquiry for the Irishman, but Ipswich would need his wages paid in full, which the Baggies cannot afford at this juncture.

West Bromwich Albion suffer setback in pursuit of Ipswich Town’s Kasey McAteer.

McAteer, 24, joined Ipswich from Leicester City for about £12 million last summer, after making 56 first-team appearances for the Foxes and spending time on loan with Forest Green Rovers and AFC Wimbledon.

However, the Irishman only scored three goals and provided one assist in 28 outings for the Tractor Boys last season, trying to secure a spot in the team under Kieran McKenna.

Nonetheless, he would help Ipswich return to the Premier League at the first opportunity, and now, with Gary O’Neil in charge in Suffolk, the winger appears to be in the former Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Strasbourg manager’s plans.

This is despite the addition of Abdul Fatawu to the right flank, as Jack Clarke, Jaden Philogene, Sindre Walle Egeli, Anis Mehmeti, and Wes Burns all compete for a spot in the team.

Now, West Brom must search for other targets and rule out a move for McAteer.

West Bromwich Albion must consider options in the final third after facing a setback in their pursuit of Kasey McAteer.

Daryl Dyke, Jed Wallace, Karlan Grant, and Josh Maja have all left the club at the end of their contracts, while Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba and Hindolo Mustapha’s loans have expired, so the Baggies are eager for more attacking alternatives this summer.

The arrivals of Barney Stewart and Jimmy-Jay Morgan will have helped, but given their lack of Championship experience, Morrison cannot rely on them.

Kasey McAteer’s statistics in the Premier League and Championship

Appearances

72

Goals

8

Assists

2

McAteer would have been an ideal replacement for the departing Wallace on the right side, as Mikey Johnston is the only recognised senior winger in their team, thus another alternative or two are required.

After been dealt a setback in their pursuit of the Ipswich star, West Brom must shift their focus elsewhere as quickly as possible, given their season opener against Norwich City is less than two weeks away. Morrison will require options on the wings, but one of them will not be McAteer.

James Morrison must not allow Kasey McAteer’s blow to impact West Bromwich Albion’s transfer dealings this summer.

With a move for McAteer seemingly dead in the water, Morrison must not let this latest setback jeopardise West Brom’s recruitment for the rest of the summer.

The Baggies still need some key acquisitions before the window closes, and while the Irishman will not be one of them, the Scottish manager must move on to other options swiftly.

With six deals now completed, McAteer will not be the seventh; nonetheless, Morrison must guarantee that whoever is brought in is of comparable, if not superior, quality to McAteer.