West Brom youngster forecast outlined at new club - with fellow prospect set to make move

He has been handed the No.7 shirt at Whaddon Road and is poised to play a big role in his first Football League stint having caught the eye in a brief spell at National League strugglers Truro City in December.

It is a big step in the boyhood Baggie teen's development and a similar switch is understood to be on the cards for fellow midfield graduate Harry Whitwell, 20, next week.

Whitwell, like Deeming, spent the first half of the campaign on loan in the National League, and the former was recalled from an extremely impressive stint at high-flying Forest Green Rovers as Albion desired cover, but is expected to head back out on loan.

Forest Green boss Robbie Savage is on record stating his club's desire to bring Whitwell back but it is believed Albion are open to a higher loan, with interest there.

Whitwell made a brief Albion substitute appearance in the FA Cup penalty shootout success in Swansea before coming off due to concussion.

Ordinarily any player would be unable to represent more than two clubs in a single season due to registration rules. But the fact Whitwell's first loan was in non-league makes the midfielder eligible to sign for another Football League side having featured for the Baggies.

It is believed all parties are clear the well-regarded Whitwell has proven himself in the fifth tier and is more than capable of making his first strides in the Football League.

The transfer deadline is on the evening of Monday, February 7.

Left-footed midfielder Deeming, from Halesowen and an Albion-mad family, could make his Robins bow at home to Grimsby on Saturday.

Experienced boss Steve Cotterill said: "He's a good young lad, has had a good upbringing at West Brom.

"I watched him earlier in the season when he was on loan in the National League and I'm sure he’ll do well for us. He’s settled in really well with us.

"He;s going to be an 'eight' for us, that’s how we see him. The good thing about him is that he can play as a 'six' as well. When he’s playing at his own age level, he is playing as a 'six' probably because he can control the game a little bit more.

"We are looking at him as playing as an 'eight' for us. I’ve seen him in a couple of games this year and he’s played one as an 'eight' and the other as a winger on the right-hand side.

"To have that flexibility in another young player is really important for us. He’s just a lovely young lad and you hope he does well.

"He’s still growing into his body, so he is going to get bigger. We have to make sure we get his training right and his intensity right and his gym work right, while he is here with us."

Another Albion youngster, Evan Humphries, has joined National League North outfit Oxford City on a 'short-term' loan.

It is the 20-year-old defender's first spell away from The Hawthorns. Versatile left-sided defender Humphries signed a first professional contract in 2024 and has captained Leigh Downing's under-21s this season.