OPINION
West Bromwich Albion fans will be keen to see Darren Moore bring in a couple more new faces this month, but more importantly many will be hoping that the club manage to keep hold of loan star Harvey Barnes.
The 21-year-old Leicester player has been a revelation at the Hawthorns this season, scoring nine goals and supplying eight assists so far in their Championship campaign.
Reports that the Foxes were considering recalling Barnes from his loan spell this month have struck fear into the hearts of the Baggies faithful, who recognise the importance of the youngster to their hopes of promotion.
Losing Barnes at this point in the season would be unimaginable for the Baggies, who will be left without one of their main attacking outlets heading into the business end of the campaign.
However, with the January window now in full swing, the latest movements in Leicester provide a boost for those hoping to keep Barnes at the Hawthorns this month.
As reported by The Sun, Leicester have entered the race for Hull City star Jarrod Bowen, who is also being monitored by Everton and Tottenham.
Bowen is a young winger, much like Barnes, who has taken the Championship by storm this season, with his scintillating form for Hull catching the eye of several Premier League sides.
Leicester’s decision to enter the race for the £20m-rated winger offers hope to West Brom, who would surely be allowed to keep hold of Barnes if the Foxes were to sign Bowen.
There would be no point in Claude Puel buying Bowen and recalling Barnes, with both players likely to spend much of the season on the bench.
West Brom fans must now merely hope that Leicester are serious in their pursuit of Bowen, with that paving the way for them to retain Barnes until May.