Mats Wieffer has been described “safe like the Bank of England” in possession.

But Albion face competition from Atletico Madrid for his services.

Sources in Rotterdam believe both clubs are keen on the Feyenoord midfielder.

He is as seen as potentially a great fit for Albion, who did not adequately replace the defensive qualities of Moises Caicedo after they sold him to Chelsea.

Former Albion defender Hans Kraay, now working for ESPN in Holland, believes Wieffer offers certain guarantees.

Kraay told The Argus: “He is a very technical, controlling midfielder. He never loses the ball. His first touch is fantastic.

“He doesn’t score many goals but he was injured just before the Euros, otherwise he would be there.

“He is the person the centre-back looks for as his first option with the ball.

“You give him the ball and then you know you can push on another 25 yards because he does not lose it.

“He is safe like the Bank of England in possession.”

Carlos Baleba was considered the closest to Caicedo by previous boss Roberto De Zerbi but successor Fabian Huerzeler will have his own ideas on how to shape his midfield.

Media in Italy believe Milan are also interested in Wieffer, 24, who missed the end of last season with a thigh injury.