West Bromwich Albion are on the verge of making a new defensive addition and it's not going to cost Luke Dowling a penny...

What's the word?

According to the ever-reliable John Percy at the Telegraph, the Baggies are in talks with former Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic and could be through the door at the Hawthorns before Sunday's Premier League opener.

It's claimed that Slaven Bilic is hopeful of landing him on a short-term contract to add some experience to his squad.

The 36-year-old veteran is a free agent after being released by Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg. He could be their fifth addition this summer.

Free PL experience

This could turn out to be a very shrewd addition by Bilic as his squad is severely lacking in top-flight nous - only Ahmed Hegazi has enjoyed regular game time at this level and that was with Albion last time they were in the PL.

In Ivanovic, they'll be getting a three-time title winner, three-time FA Cup winner and a one-time Champions League winner. No one in the side boasts a similar trophy cabinet whatsoever.

Former Blues, now Spurs, boss Jose Mourinho believes the Serbian was one of his best signings at Stamford Bridge, claiming he's " a competitive animal with a big heart."

Whilst Man City superstar Raheem Sterling dubbed him the "scariest man" he's played against, naming him a "tank."

After bolstering the backline with Cedric Kipre from Wigan, having someone like Ivanovic around the place could be ideal for his development - and you can throw in young Dara O'Shea too.

If the wages are right, this deal should absolutely be done.

AND in other news, West Brom could make another striker mistake in PL misfit...