Mason still looking to fatten up squad

RYAN Mason hopes that Albion can still add a couple of new faces to their squad before the transfer deadline passes on September 1, as he continues holding talks with sporting director Andrew Nestor and head of football operations Ian Pearce as to what the Baggies group still requires.

- By JOSEPH CHAPMAN

Albion boss Mason has welcomed five new players to the squad in his first summer window in charge; striker Aune Heggebo, defenders George Campbell, Nat Phillips and Krystian Bielik and midfielder Toby Collyer - the latter borrowed from Manchester United - have all landed, but the club have parted with a host of personnel since the end of last season. The turnover has left them a little skinnier than they were previously and, coupled with the injuries to Daryl Dike and Tammer Bany, Mason's squad - who are two from two in the Championship prior to the welcoming of Portsmouth to The Hawthorns today - is a tad thinner than he may desire it to be.