West Brom midfielder Rekeem Harper joins Blues on loan for the remainder of season

Harper became one of the most talked about teenagers in the country after impressing in 23 outings for the Baggies during the 2018/19 season.

That saw the likes Tottenham and Celtic chase his signature – with Albion greats including James Morrison going public to urge the midfielder to sign a new deal at The Hawthorns.

Since then, though, Harper has struggled for minutes in Albion’s first-team. The 20-year-old started just seven games for the Baggies last season.

This year he has made just two substitute appearances in the Premier League.

He also came off the bench and scored against Harrogate in the League Cup.

A player with undoubted talent, Harper will now be hoping he can start fulfilling his potential at St Andrew’s.

“I like a lot of things, his quality, his energy, his experience because he is a young player who has played a few games and he has got promotion, which is important,” said Blues boss Aitor Karanka.

“He has a lot of things and he bring us that number eight we are a missing a lot.

“To play the style I like to play that link with a No.8 and No. 10 and with the striker and the wingers.

“I think Harper coming in is going to be a big push for us.”

Harper became the second player born this century to play in the Premier League when he lined up for Albion against Bournemouth in 2017.

The former England under-17 and under-19 international had a loan stint with Blackburn in the same year, playing nine first-team games.

On his move to Blues, the Birmingham-born star said: “I am absolutely delighted to be here.

“Blues is a big club. I want to be the next one to do well for this club.”

With Karanka’s men not in action this weekend, Harper is likely to make his debut against Coventry City at St Andrew’s on January 30.