West Bromwich Albion are reportedly in talks to sign former loan star Okay Yokuslu this summer.

What's the news?

According to a recent report by Joe Masi for the Express & Star, the Midlands club have held talks with the player over a potential return to the Hawthorns following the termination of his contract at Celta Vigo.

Masi's report also adds that the midfielder has "significantly lowered his wage demands in the hope of securing a return" to West Brom.

This news will have surely come as a big surprise given how Baggies boss, Steve Bruce, only a few days ago said that the ship had probably sailed over a potential move for Yokuslu.

Speaking after the Baggies' recent preseason win over Northampton Town, Bruce had this to say on the situation surrounding the Turkey midfielder.

"I thought the ship had sailed. However, we have got a chance. I don’t want to alert anyone else, but we have got a chance.

"We will see where that takes us over the next couple of days. If we do get him, he’s a quality player, an international footballer, who was very successful when he was here a couple of years ago. I was very impressed with him when I saw him play in the Premier League - the way he went about his work.

"He’s a top pro, people at the club enjoyed working with him. He’s experienced, he will be a very, very, good player if we can get him."

West Brom fans will be buzzing

During his loan spell with West Brom in the second half of the 2020/21 season, Yokuslu played in 16 league games and provided one assist along the way.

In those appearances, the 28-year-old won 33 tackles and made more interceptions (42) than any other player in the squad at the time.

The midfielder also made 25 blocks, 40 clearances and 89 successful pressures, further highlighting just what he offered the side from a defensive point of view, and what he'd give Bruce's team now.

Those impressive numbers also make it safe to suggest that many Baggies supporters will be delighted to see the club's former loan star back in a West Brom shirt.

If Albion can get this deal over the line and bring the Turkey international back to the Midlands, this would surely not only give the squad more strength and depth in midfield but also have plenty at the Hawthorns overjoyed given how they already know what they'll be getting from the player.

AND in other news: West Brom can secure their next Jay Rodriguez by signing "bullish" 34-goal dynamo