James Morrison's future at West Brom hinges on his fitness
Darren Moore wants to keep James Morrison at the Baggies – provided the midfielder can prove his fitness.
Morrison is out of contract at the end of this month, but spent the majority of last season on the sidelines with a nasty Achilles injury.
He is currently Albion’s longest-serving player, having been at The Hawthorns for 11 seasons just like Chris Brunt, who joined the Baggies one week after he did in August 2007.
Moore is understood to be a big fan of the 32-year-old, and believes he will be a huge asset in the Championship if fit.
However, he will not sanction a new contract offer until Morrison has proven he is capable of returning to action.
The midfielder was back in training towards the end of last season but was never fit enough to make the match-day squad.
His last contract, signed two years ago, was worth £60,000-a-week but he would be offered significantly less than that this time around following Albion’s relegation.
Middlesbrough are reportedly monitoring the situation, with those in the North East claiming a reunion with Tony Pulis at Morrison’s former club is on the cards.
Moore is bracing himself for a busy summer in the transfer market with a number of players likely to leave.
Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill expects Jonny Evans to find a new club, while Crystal Palace are reportedly willing to pay £10million for England stand-by Jake Livermore.
Nacer Chadli and Salomon Rondon both have relegation release clauses in their contract around the £17m mark, and there is interest in Jay Rodriguez and Craig Dawson.
However, Moore and chief executive Mark Jenkins want to keep the core group together to give the Baggies the best chance of bouncing back up.
Brunt and Ben Foster have already committed themselves to Albion for next season, and Morrison could follow suit if he proves his fitness.
Meanwhile, the Baggies have put plans to significantly redevelop their Palm training ground on hold.
The makeover had originally been planned for this summer by former boss Tony Pulis, but it was agreed at boardroom level too.
However, it now won’t be going ahead due to the financial impact of relegation. The club are still planning to complete an interior refurbishment at their Walsall headquarters.
