Former West Brom man closing in on Championship move as free agent

The 36-year-old Dutchman has been without a club since he departed The Hawthorns at the beginning of the summer but is now reportedly closing in on a return.

Left-sided defender Pieters was a trialist with Luton during the summer but has not kicked a ball competitively since March, when he went off at half-time in a 2-0 home victory over Bristol City, Albion's visitors on Sunday afternoon.

Pieters was one of a host of Baggies players released by the club at the end of their contracts in the wake of May's play-off semi-final defeat against Southampton as the club sought to balance the books.

The former Stoke stalwart moved to Albion as a free transfer in September 2022 under Steve Bruce, who was sacked the following month. Pieters found himself a consistent member of the matchday squad under Carlos Corberan for the next couple of seasons, though, and racked up 61 appearances for the club, mostly as a starter in the Championship.

Rob Edwards' Hatters are eyeing defensive cover and could move early for the free agent despite the January window being just days away. Luton are 19th, five points clear of the drop zone. They visit The Hawthorns on the final day of the season, currently scheduled for May 3.