James Chester: West Bromwich Albion set to sign Hull defender
West Bromwich Albion are set to sign Hull City defender James Chester for a fee of £8m, Tigers manager Steve Bruce has told BBC Radio Humberside.
The Wales international, 26, flew home from Hull's pre-season tour in Austria on Tuesday to open talks with the Baggies.
Chester played 156 league games for Hull, who were relegated from the Premier League in May.
The former Manchester United trainee had one year left on his existing deal.
Bruce said: "We've said all summer that it is inevitable that we are going to lose a few players because that is the fallout of relegation.
"He has served the club fantastically well in the time he has been here and how can you deny him the opportunity to play in the Premier League?
"The money we get from him we will re-invest back into the squad."
Bruce added that he expects winger Robbie Brady, 23, to be the next departure from the KC Stadium.
The Republic of Ireland international has been heavily linked with a transfer to Norwich City.
"We said from day one that if the price is right then we are not going to stand in anybody's way," he said.
"James and Robbie had one year left on their contracts and they made it clear they wanted to play in the Premier League. We have to look after the club."