Guochuan Lai's reign as West Brom owner could be soon coming to an end.

The Baggies have been linked with a takeover for the very first time since the Chinese businessman took over from Jeremy Pearce back in 2016, when he paid £200m for the keys to the Hawthorns.

Although his time in charge hasn't been without controversy. Over a year ago, he claimed that he couldn't settle Albion's debts due to restrictions in China whilst he has barely provided enough funds to give them a solid chance of staying in the top-flight this season.

His manager, Slaven Bilic, made a public plea to increase the budget but that fell on deaf ears.

Earlier this week, the reliable John Percy at the Telegraph claimed that the Midlands outfit have held talks with an unnamed American consortium over a potential £150m takeover.

Discussions remain ongoing with the party over either the sale of West Brom or purchasing a minority stake of up to 15 per cent. It's also suggested that the group has an advisor with plenty of Premier League experience onboard, so this one is set to rumble on.

The Baggies have not won since gaining promotion from the Championship and find themselves second from bottom heading into a trick Christmas period.

Therefore, this takeover needs to be pushed through as soon as possible, especially with the January transfer window on the horizon. It would give Bilic a fairer chance of salvaging something from this season.

Get them in early and provide the Croatian with the funds he lusts for, and then they may well be able to save their Premier League plight.

American influence is rife in the top-flight right now and it is no coincidence you'll find such ties with some of the best teams.

Spurs have a partnership with the NFL to host matches, Leeds have investment from the San Francisco 49ers, both Arsenal and Manchester United are owned by businessmen who too own an NFL side and defending champions, Liverpool, have Boston Red Sox majority shareholder John W. Henry.

If Albion were to join this illustrious list, then it could be an absolute game-changer for everyone at the Hawthorns.

AND in other news, West Brom should promote U23 starlet who can "give defences a problem"...