West Brom early transfer moves a sign of new owner 'progress'

That is according to former fan favourite Andy Johnson, who has praised the Albion owner for the impact he has made during his first summer at the club.

Patel purchased a majority stake in the club from Guochuan Lai earlier this year - and has set about putting his stamp on things at The Hawthorns.

He had already repaid a £5m loan taken out by the previous owner, before announcing a £1m investment in the club's training ground.

And Albion fans have been buoyed by the club's early moves in the transfer market, signing Ousmane Diakite from Red Bull Salzburg and Norwegian defender Torbjorn Heggem from Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna.

Last season's League One golden glove winner Joe Wildsmith has also arrived at the club as back up to number one Alex Palmer.

Speaking on an upcoming episode of the Baggies Broadcast, former midfielder Johnson, who commentates on Albion games for the club, insisted it is refreshing to see Albion doing early business in the window.

He said: "For as long as I can remember, at this point we are usually about a month away from making any signings, and then we hang on right to the death and pick up what we can.

"But with the new owner, Mr Patel coming in, I think the mood around everything has changed.

"Everything just feels better, we are in a better shape, and things are happening early.

"He has put down good foundations, set his stall out and shook things up a bit.

"Players have left in the close season, we've managed to hang onto the players we wanted to with new deals and we've made signings early.

"You can't ask for much more than what he has done, it has just been a breath of fresh air for everyone associated with the club and long may that continue."