Transfer Centre

Report: Wayne Hennessey nearing West Bromwich Albion switch

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 14 July 2015

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is reportedly nearing a £3.5m switch to West Bromwich Albion, where he would be reunited with former boss Tony Pulis.

West Bromwich Albion are on the verge of securing a deal for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, according to reports.

The Baggies are looking for a temporary replacement for number one stopper Ben Foster, who is expected to be sidelined until at least October having suffered cruciate knee ligament damage in March.

Hennessey, meanwhile, is understood to be desperate to play first-team football in order to boost his chances of being selected for Wales's Euro 2016 squad next summer.

The 28-year-old is reportedly hopeful that a stint in between the sticks during the opening months of the season will be enough time for him to prove his credentials at both club and international level.

West Brom boss Tony Pulis, who signed Hennessey for Palace while in charge at Selhurst Park in January 2014, is considering a deal that could cost the Baggies up to £3.5m, according to The Guardian.

Palace, meanwhile, are understood to be eyeing Reading keeper Alex McCarthy as a replacement should Hennessey leave, although they would require any deal for the latter to be close to McCarthy's relegation-based release clause.

Hennessey has made just three appearances for the Eagles since joining, spending most of his time acting as understudy to first choice Julian Speroni.