Exclusive: Exciting West Brom prospect closing in on loan deal

Albion prospect Ollie Bostock is closing in on a first loan move away from The Hawthorns.

It is understood the exciting winger, 19, is poised to complete a temporary move to a National League club until the January transfer window.

The loan switch will be a first for Bostock, who has made 10 senior appearances for the Baggies, three of which have been starts.

There has been a handful of National League clubs interested in a move for the highly-regarded Bostock - with a registration window for non-league clubs in the fifth tier National League or below still open, unlike the regular transfer deadline.

Bostock would follow fellow Albion academy prospects Alex Williams and Cole Deeming in moving out on loan after the transfer window closed last Tuesday.

Right-back Williams moved to Scottish Premiership side Hibernian for his first professional loan, while midfielder Deeming secured a switch to National League side Hartlepool.

There was loan interest in Bostock earlier in the window and an eagerness from all parties for the Lichfield-based teen to move away from The Hawthorns, despite Albion’s lack of senior wide options. A move did not materialise, but there is expectation one is now set to be completed.

Bostock made his first-team debut under former boss Ryan Mason last October aged 18 and caught the eye late on in a chastening defeat at Millwall. He went on to excel in an FA Cup penalty shootout win in Swansea, where he laid on an assist and fired the winning penalty.

London-born Bostock has been a regular at youth international level with Wales and has captained several age groups. He trained with Wales’ senior set-up under Craig Bellamy in the summer.

The prospect’s current contract at The Hawthorns expires at the end of this season.

Boss James Morrison is a big advocate of the young players getting moves for competitive senior action, particular older, more established academy stars who have been around the first team.

The head coach told the Express & Star in his press conference on Tuesday that Bostock, similarly to Williams and Deeming, has outgrown and is too good to play under-21 football.

Morrison said: “We’re hopeful (of a move) - I think it’s best for him to go and get some game time in men’s football.

“So we’re working hard to get him that, because he’s passed the under-21s level, as he’s shown in the first-team he can perform.

“It’s just a shame that he couldn’t get something in the proper window.”

Bostock was involved throughout Albion’s pre-season and was a late substitute at Newcastle in the EFL Cup defeat.

Williams has so far been an unused substitute, meanwhile, in Hibernian’s 2-1 defeat at St Johnstone. He could makes his Hibs debut at Ross County on Saturday in the Scottish League Cup.

Deeming made his Hartlepool bow as a second-half substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Woking.