Jonathan Leko targets West Brom starting place after penning new three-year deal

The 19-year-old winger, who has come through the Albion academy ranks, is looking forward to working with ‘big influence’ Darren Moore next season.

The youngster made his debut under Tony Pulis as a 16-year-old and has made 16 first-team appearances for Albion over the past three seasons.

But he’s targeting a regular spot in the team under Moore in the Championship next season.

“I’m really happy to have signed this deal,” he said. “ I’ve been here since I was 10 and now I want to push on and get myself a regular first team place.

“I want to be more involved next season and become a first team starter. That’s my goal.”

Leko spent the first half of last season in the Championship on loan at Bristol City, and made a total of 11 appearances for the Robins.

He was brought back in January by Alan Pardew, and admitted that the hectic schedule in the second tier surprised him.

However, he believes that experience will stand him in good stead for next season.

“There wasn’t as much rest as I would have liked – it was game after game in the Championship,” he said.

“Now that I know that I’m looking forward to it because I just want to play. The more games the better.”

Moore helped organise that temporary move to Bristol City last summer in his capacity as Albion loan manager, and the head coach is someone Leko has a lot of admiration for.

The young winger asked: “Who else would you want in charge apart from Mooro?

“I’ve known him a long time and he’s a pleasure to work with. We’ve got a good relationship and he has always told me to express myself on the pitch.

“He will be a big influence. I’m buzzing for him that he has got the job and I can’t wait to work with him.”

Moore wants Albion’s promising youngsters like Leko, Sam Field, Jack Fitzwater and Rekeem Harper to play a larger role next season and has given first team coach James Shan responsibility for their assimilation into the squad.