Exclusive: West Brom Eye Free Transfer for Injury-Hit Former Villa Defender Kortney Hause

Championship high-fliers West Brom have been exploring a deal to sign former Aston Villa defender Kortney Hause on a free transfer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

But our sources have learnt that the former England Under-21 international has also attracted interest from a number of other clubs, including both Blackburn Rovers and Derby County.

Hause, who can play as a centre-back or left-back, was released by Villa in June following the end of a seven-year spell with the Premier League club.

And the 30-year-old, who has been plagued with injuries the past couple of years, is now desperate to get his career back on track.

Hause initially joined Villa on loan in January 2019 before penning a permanent deal with the club following a memorable promotion back to the Premier League.

However, after 18 appearances in his first season in the top-flight, the London-born defender failed to cement a regular starting role in the first team.

He made just seven appearances for the next two seasons and was then sent out to Watford on a season-long loan in August 2022.

INJURY ISSUES

But persistent knee problems, as well as groin, ankle and hip injuries have blighted the defender’s progress throughout his career.

It is understood the Baggies have been monitoring Hause’s progress for some time, especially with no fee attached to any potential deal.

Rovers and the Rams have also made initial enquieries ith the players’ representatives, but any move has been dependant on whether Hause can regain his fitness following his plethora of injury problems.

Now West Brom could be the club to give Hause a lifeline back in to football, especially if he can prove his fitness with other clubs circling and interested in his signature.

In a potshot at his former club Villa, Hause took to Instagram to vent: “Could things have played out a lot better if it wasn’t for the injuries and the lack of support from the club while dealing with the injuries? Most definitely! No doubt!"

“But nevertheless, making it to the Premier League isn’t a coincidence or by luck. I was made for this s—. Gotta write the ending to my own story. Still that. God’s perfect plan. Amen.”