This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

West Brom manager Slaven Bilic cannot help but be satisfied with his side's form so far this season, with the Baggies on top of he Championship, as the league pauses for the latest international break.

Bilic though is still looking to strengthen his squad in January, with former loanee Dwight Gayle still a player that Bilic would like to see return to the Hawthorns in the New Year, as reported on BirminghamLive.

But would Gayle be a guaranteed starter if he returned to the Hawthorns?

We discuss..........

Jordan Rushworth

“West Brom have been crying out for a forward with the type of mobility and finishing ability that Gayle possess, with summer signings Charlie Ausitn and Kenneth Zohore struggling to display their best form so far this season at the Hawthorns.

“Slaven Bilic decided to bring Hal Robson-Kanu into the starting line-up in West Brom’s 1-0 win at Hull City last time out, and although the Wales international has been in decent form over the last few weeks he lacks the clinical ability in front of goal that Gayle provides.

“Gayle would probably be one of the first names on the team sheet were he to move back to the Hawthorns, and he could be the man to player to make the crucial difference in the final third that helps the Baggies go one better than last season and secure automatic promotion.

“Given Gayle has not featured heavily since retuning to Newcastle United in the summer, it is likely that he would be open to a move back to West Brom, so that he can get back to playing regular football and if he could help fire West Brom back to the Premier League, he would likely be given the chance to impress in the English top fight with the Baggies.”

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Toby Wilding

"100%.

"When you look at what he did for the Baggies last season, you imagine he has the potential to be crucial to any promotion push they want to make this season.

"Indeed, with West Brom yet to really find an out and out goalscorer this season, you feel the importance of them getting a player such as Gayle is only going to be enhanced, as would the need to start him.

"Given he is also going to be making the step down from the Premier League if he does move to the Hawthorns, I would have thought the striker himself will want some form of guarantee that he will be getting more regular game time if he is to make that move."

Jacob Potter

"I think he'd struggle to get into their starting XI straight away, but with a bit of persistence he could.

"West Brom seem to have a settled side with Bilic now, and with the likes of Hal Robson-Kanu and Kenneth Zohore providing Charlie Austin with competition for his starting spot, it begs the question as to whether they actually need Gayle this season?

"But his goal record speaks for itself, and without him last season, then you have to feel as though West Brom wouldn't have finished in the play-off places.

"He know the club well after that season, and could be tempted with a move back to The Hawthorns, but I'm not sure he'd be a regular starter now that Austin is leading the line."