West Brom, Norwich City and Ipswich Town now in six-team transfer tussle

The Baggies are keen on signing the 17-year-old attacker but the competition is forever hotting up, especially as he’ll only cost a small bout of compensation.

Signed from Partick Thistle in January, McGinlay has already made a strong impression at Queen’s Park and he’s regarded as the best prospect at the club. He could soon be on the move, though, with no transfer fee needed due to a lack of professional contract.

It’s understood that West Brom scouts have been to watch McGinlay in action over the past few months. Daily Record adds to this, reporting that Ipswich Town, Norwich City and Celtic have all been alerted ahead of a potential swoop. Stoke City, meanwhile, are keeping tabs.

Queen’s Park themselves are the sixth team involved in the transfer tussle. The Spiders are eager to convince McGinlay to stay for a little while longer so they can gain a transfer fee in the future. Eighth-placed finishers out of 10 clubs in the Scottish Championship last term, any funds would make a huge difference.

Premier League lure could prove too inviting for West Brom and Queen’s Park

But Ipswich, recently promoted to the Premier League, have the upper hand in the fight due to their top-flight status. McGinlay has also already already experienced life in East Anglia as he spent one week on trial with the Tractor Boys before Queen’s Park snapped him up.

West Brom must move quickly if they are to have any chance of signing McGinlay. The Baggies, limited with spending due to challenges with Financial Fair Play (FFP), need to spend smartly this summer.

Although McGinlay would be a future prospect rather than an immediate first-teamer, his arrival would translate to shrewd business.