West Bromwich Albion have been placed under an EFL-imposed business plan which will limit their transfer activity in this window, Sky Sports News can reveal, amid concerns that they are on course to breach the League’s financial rules.

Albion made the Championship play-off semi-finals last season, losing to Southampton over two legs, but their hopes of strengthening the squad this summer for another promotion push are now in jeopardy.

Sky Sports News has been told there is no issue with the financial health of the club, or any danger of Albion being unable to pay their bills – rather, the threat is centred around whether the club can stay within the financial guidelines of the League.

The money problems are linked to the club’s previous owners, and the new owners are determined to still strengthen the squad where they can – albeit with possible further outgoings.

Bilkul Football WBA – a company owned by Florida-based entrepreneur Shilen Patel and his father Kiran Patel – bought an 87.8 per cent shareholding in Albion in February, and are working through the issues directly with the EFL to ensure they comply with the rules.