West Brom set to hand young defender Nathan Ferguson first professional contract

Pardew said it took him 'two and a half minutes' on the training ground to decide the 17-year-old centre-back was a bright prospect and instructed the board to give him a deal.

Ferguson was named on the bench for last week's trip to Anfield, and has been training with the first team ever "When I spoke to the staff, and asked who was outstanding or the best player not signed as a professional, his name was on everyone’s lips," said Pardew.

"I had a quick look, it only took me two and half minutes, and hopefully we will have that sealed this afternoon."

Ferguson becomes the second centre-back Albion have given a deal to this week, after the club completed a £4.5million purchase of Ahmed Hegazi.

The Egyptian was initially on a season-long loan from Al Ahly but Pardew wanted to tie him down to a permanent deal before January.

"The initial thought is it is a great deal for us," he said. "Since I have been here he has been terrific and we have competition in those positions so he’s needed to be to be honest.

"I really like the four performances he’s given me, besides what he did before. I was very much “let’s get it sorted”."

Hegazi is likely to feature in Stoke this weekend for Albion's crucial game with Stoke.

The Baggies could be buoyed by three players returning from injury this weekend, although Craig Dawson is more likely to start that Nacer Chadli or Matt Phillips.

"Chadli and Phillips are both training which is good news," said Pardew. "The top of the pitch is where it is dysfunctional a little bit.

"We have to find that better balance, against (Manchester) United we were further up the pitch. At Liverpool we did it nearly for 90 minutes.

"We have to complete a game where we get two or three goals which normally guarantees a win, otherwise we will always be under pressure.

"In terms of players we have available, I think they (Phillips and Chadli) will be taken (to Stoke)."