Where do West Brom need to strengthen in the January transfer window?

1. Midfield

The most obvious of the shortcomings at the moment, particularly with the injured Toby Collyer set to be recalled from his loan by Manchester United imminently.

Jayson Molumby is currently sidelined and Alex Mowatt has recently been out with an issue. It has left Mason desperately short with Ousmane Diakite the sole survivor and Callum Styles having to pitch in from left-back.

Mason has hinted one area of concern in his squad is obvious and Albion simply have to replace the loss of Collyer at the bare minimum. The chances are, though not confirmed, another loan deal will be on the cards.

Sunderland's Dan Neil, a Championship promotion hero Wearside, has been linked. That sort of profile could well be on the radar.

2. Goalkeeper

The most crucial of positions has been an Achilles' Heel since Alex Palmer's sale at the end of last January. It is understood Albion are looking at options in the position.

Josh Griffiths, 24, had an up and down time between the sticks for the first time as Albion No.1. The errors recently got too much, according to Mason, and he turned to back-up Joe Wildsmith.

Wildsmith has struggled in his two stints playing for Albion and the club have to find a solution in that department. What it means for academy graduate Griffiths' future remains to be seen.

 3. Striker

This feels like an area with moving parts. Aune Heggebo's role as a crucial player is secured following his recent purple patch in front of goal.

But the alternatives and competition is minimal. Albion were satisfied to go with three natural strikers to start the season - but Josh Maja and Daryl Dike have hardly featured, with fitness the biggest issue.

There are also huge question marks around their futures in the final year of their deals. Dike's summer exit feels a cert, with Maja not too far behind.

Could they be sold next month if a suitable offer comes in? Quite possibly. But Albion need more depth there regardless.

4. Defence

A less obvious flaw, perhaps, but Albion are also believed to be looking into central defensive options.

It was only last summer that Nat Phillips, Chris Mepham and Krystian Bielik checked in, as well as George Campbell, though he has spent the season playing at right-back.

Phillips and Mepham started well but formed has tailed off dreadfully in the Baggies' backline. Bielik cut a more steady and assured figure and the hope is he is not sidelined with an ankle injury for too long.

The numbers seen OK in that area but it is no surprise improvement is desired given the dreadful form.