Jonathan Leko could step up for West Brom

Jonathan Leko has the ability to replace Stephane Sessegnon on the right wing next season, according to West Brom's recruitment chief.

Nick Hammond is actively looking to buy wingers in order to improve the Baggies' toothless attack after Sessegnon was let go, but he's also excited about Leko's emergence.

The 17-year-old started the last three games of the season and impressed fans with this direct approach and youthful energy.

Asked if the club wanted to buy a replacement for Sessegnon, Hammond said: "Absolutely, don't get me wrong, that's correct.

"The wide area is somewhere we're looking to add to, but the emergence of Leko is a really big bonus.

"The great thing about the summer break is that you go away and you come back and there's always a player that hits you between the eyes.

"Be it a young player, or a player who hasn't featured as much one season and comes back and all of a sudden he hits the ground running and steps up to the plate.

"I always look forward to that because it happens on a fairly regular basis."

Albion are interested in Norwich City's Nathan Redmond, but the 22-year-old winger looks destined for Southampton.

The club haven't given up their search for a winger, but Hammond isn't ignoring what he's already got at the club.

He said: "It's an exceptionally good academy here. I knew that before I came and I've seen that in practice.

"Mark Harrison is a very good academy manager and the people around him, their work ethic and desire to develop players for this football club is huge.

"You have to give those boys oxygen as well. Can they make the breakthrough? Can they be the next one? I've seen some talent there in a very short space of time."

The club's technical director thinks it's much easier to manage the cost of young players, who trust the club and cost nothing to buy.

He said: "It works for your business model, in terms of young player coming through the academy.

"You have a lot more control, transfer fees, wages etc. so that's massively important to the club as well."