Jay Rodriguez leaving West Brom after Burnley trigger £10m release clause

The 29-year-old striker, who scored 22 goals for the Baggies last season, did not catch the early-morning flight to Spain with the rest of the squad today.

Instead, he is travelling to Burnley's training ground for talks and a medical in order to complete his move.

The £10m release clause, which will be paid in two instalments of £5m over the next 12 months, was agreed in secret last summer when Rodriguez stayed following relegation.

It was set to run out in mid-July, and Burnley have decided to act before missing out on the deal.

Last year, the Clarets bid £16m for Rodriguez when Albion wanted closer to £20m and the release clause was agreed after that.

It is a dream move for the striker, who grew up in Burnley, supports the team, and came through their youth ranks before being sold to Southampton for £7m.

Albion bought Rodriguez from the Saints in the summer of 2017 for £12m.

His exit is a blow to the Baggies, who have now lost their two main goalscorers from last season in Rodriguez and loan star Dwight Gayle. Together, they scored 46 goals.

Hal Robson-Kanu is the only senior striker left at the club, although Oliver Burke can also play up front.

At Slaven Bilic's unveiling two weeks ago, technical director Luke Dowling said of Rodriguez: “He’s not indicated to us that he’s in a rush to move.

"It wouldn’t surprise me if he was here on August 9 (the day after the transfer window shuts).”

However, Rodriguez's exit does give the Baggies more cash to rebuild the squad this summer and frees up another large chunk of wages following Craig Dawson's exit.

Albion will now focus their attention on adding to their front-line and are keen to sign a striker and a right-back as soon as possible.

The Baggies flew to Spain this morning for a week-long fitness camp, culminating in a pre-season friendly against Villareal in Benidorm on Saturday.