Haber joins Vancouver on loan

Albion striker Marcus Haber has returned to former club Vancouver Whitecaps on a two-month loan deal in search of match action.

The 21-year-old Canadian has found time on the field limited since he moved from Vancouver to The Hawthorns in January.

And he has now sealed a temporary move back to his home city in a bid to "hit the ground running" next season.

Albion sporting director Dan Ashworth said: "Marcus joined us in January but it took around a month for international clearance to be granted and then several reserves fixtures were called off due to the bad weather.

"This meant he only played a game or two for us during his first two-and-a-half months in England.

"That's why we've allowed Marcus to rejoin Vancouver, so he can get as much game time as possible.

"He is still young and learning his trade and if he can get in ten games or so during the off season, that will hopefully enable him to hit the ground running when he reports back here for pre-season training."

Haber will be available for up to 15 matches for the Whitecaps, ending on June 12.

He will then return to England ahead of Albion's pre-season training programme for next season.

Haber, who scored his first goal for the club during the second string's 3-3 draw at Shrewsbury on Tuesday, will move immediately pending international clearance and league approval.

Albion officials have stressed since he arrived in England that Haber, who earned his move during a successful trial spell, is considered a hot prospect for the future.

He is unlikely to play a significant role for the Baggies in next season's campaign, which looks certain to be in the Premier League, with the club likely to seek extra firepower in the transfer market during the summer.

However, the Baggies look increasingly unlikely to pursue an interest in Hamilton midfielder James McArthur, who is also interesting Wigan.