West Brom boss explains how transfer 'picture changed' ahead of deadline regarding midfield options

Loanee Toby Collyer was recalled by parent club Manchester United at the beginning of the transfer window and, with the Baggies a player light in the central midfield role, former boss Ryan Mason stated it would be an area to address.

But with one more new recruit expected prior to Monday evening's 7pm deadline and Albion pursuing a loan deal for former academy prospect Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba from Villa, Ramsay explained how versatility in players such as left-back Callum Styles and attacking midfielder Isaac Price can help provide cover in midfield.

"I think the picture's obviously changed over the course of even my time here as we've suffered some injuries," Ramsay told the Express & Star.

"We've looked at players in certain positions, and you have some real versatility in someone like Callum Styles, you have real versatility in someone like Isaac Price, so I really value that in players.

"The general level of athleticism, versatility, coachability, being able to adapt, and the more players in the squad that you have that have those characteristics, the easier these situations are, so I think if anything it's those characteristics we're looking for in players that might come in."

On Friday Albion completed the loan signing of Crystal Palace right wing-back Danny Imray as their second signing of the January window.

Ramsay checked into The Hawthorns with no available senior central midfielders with Jayson Molumby and Alex Mowatt on the way back from stop-start injuries and Ousmane Diakite on compassionate leave following the death of his brother.

Molumby and Diakite returned to complete 90 minutes at Derby last week with Mowatt and unused substitute and both are forecast to be available in the crunch clash at Portsmouth on Saturday.

Academy prospect Harry Whitwell, an attack-minded central midfielder, was recalled from a loan at Forest Green Rovers but is expected to head out on loan before the deadline. Fellow academy midfielder Cole Deeming joined League Two Cheltenham.

Styles, predominately a left-back in his 18 months at the club, played in midfield for both of Ramsay's first two games at the helm. It is also the role he occupies for national side Hungary.

He partnered defender Krystian Bielik in the role recently for the hamstrung Baggies, including in the 5-0 home humiliation against Norwich. Bielik has been ruled out for three to four weeks due to the shoulder he dislocated at Derby.

Price, who Ramsay also referenced as capable of operating in midfield, has been playing at right wing-back under the new head coach but is expected to shuffle forward in the absence of Karlan Grant after Albion sealed the loan signing of Imray from Palace on Friday.