OPINION
There is no doubting that the Championship playoffs will have a massive effect on the future of West Brom as a football club.
Having been relegated from the Premier League last season, the Baggies have a chance to return to the top flight at the first time of asking, but will have to overcome Leeds United, Aston Villa and either Derby County or Middlesbrough to get there.
There is so much at stake for all four clubs who finish from third to sixth, from the financial boost the top flight promises to the future of their top stars.
However, the stakes have surely hit an all-time high for West Brom, with the Sun claiming that Premier League giants are in pursuit of 19-year-old fringe ace Rekeem Harper.
The midfield youngster has been a breakthrough talent at the Hawthorns this season with 20 appearances for the senior side, including nine consecutive outings – seven of those in the starting XI – in the Championship.
He is undoubtedly the most exciting young prospect the Baggies have on their books and you can see why Premier League sides are keen – meaning West Brom face a fight to keep him on board this summer.
Failure to seal playoff glory means they will be unable to compete on a level playing field with those in the division above, leaving Harper the opportunity to pursue a top flight career elsewhere.
However, secure promotion and Harper likely stays on board – a major boost for the club moving forward. If West Brom want to keep their young star, then playoff glory seems an absolute must and the pressure on succeeding has hit a new height.