West Brom defender attracts interest from EFL outfit

Gilchrist, 22, was bought in from Chelsea 12 months ago for a deal worth around £2million but endured a tough first season at The Hawthorns.

The former Chelsea prospect, who spent his academy years in West London in the centre of defence, was brought in after Darnell Furlong’s sale to Ipswich, but Gilchrist was unable to make his mark under any of the Baggies’ three head coaches last term.

London club Orient narrowly avoided relegation from League One last term with a finish of 20th. It is understood their interest is currently a loan move.

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Albion still envisage a future for Gilchrist, who is under contract until 2029 having penned a four-year deal.

The defender is believed to be keen on the opportunity to play regularly at centre-back this season and a loan away from The Hawthorns is a likely outcome.

Orient are one club with interest but others are anticipated in the 6ft defender.

Gilchrist made 15 appearances for the club, but just eight of them were starts in the Championship. He was recruited in mind to play at right-back after a profitable loan at Sheffield United and Premier League breakthrough at Stamford Bridge.

George Campbell, also a centre-back by trade, played at right-back for much of the campaign as Albion struggled without a natural option.

Gilchrist’s standout performance for the Baggies was in the heart of the defence during the 1-1 draw at home to Southampton under James Morrison in March, where the Saints struck to equalise late on.

He has been on the fringes during pre-season with starts few and far between for Morrison’s side, and was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Peterborough, after missing the previous friendly against Shrewsbury due to illness.

But it is understood the defender has trained well with Albion and the club remain hopeful of his long-term qualities.