Leyton Orient are believed to have entered initial talks with West Bromwich Albion to sign Alfie Gilchrist.

The Baggies signed the right-back last summer for a fee in the region of £2 million, after he impressed on loan at Sheffield United in his first senior spell away from Chelsea.

Wellens Targets Move

However, his move to the Hawthorns did not prove as fruitful as initially hoped, playing just 15 times last season and acting as a backup to Danny Imray following his loan move from Crystal Palace.

Gilchrist is set to face even more competition for places next season after the signing of Nolan Galves from Rodez, and reported interest in Oxford United defender Brodie Spencer.

Now, according to Sky Sports News’ Mark McAdam, the 22-year-old could now be heading to League One, with Leyton Orient now keen on making a move and have entered initial talks.

Richie Wellens recruited a new right-back last summer in the form of Michael Craig, who was signed from Reading to fill the void left behind by Ethan Galbraith following his exit to Swansea City.

The Scottish defender played a rotational role overall, appearing 27 times in the third tier as an alternative to Tom James, who has since departed in order to join Bristol Rovers in League Two.

Orient Need Depth

While Michael Craig proved to be a decent signing over the course of last season, Leyton Orient’s overall underperformance means that Richie Wellens and his recruitment team need to find a lot more quality across the squad to avoid another relegation dogfight.

Alfie Gilchrist would be a more than ideal signing given his experience in the Championship, and with only Sean Clare as realistic cover should the 23-year-old be injured, adding a specialised right-back for competition is key.

Given his struggles at West Bromwich Albion, combined with new manager James Morrison already adding Nolan Galves on top of exploring a move for Brodie Spencer, his future is now in serious doubt.

It is unclear what kind of deal is being targeted at this time, but given the finances Orient currently have with no news on whether Dom Ballard will be sold, a loan move could be the best situation for all parties, especially given the fee the Baggies paid just a year ago.