West Bromwich Albion captain Jake Livermore has suggested that Filip Krovinovic is among the top midfielders he has played for at the Hawthorns.

The Croatian joined the club on a season-long loan from Benfica in the summer and has become a key part of the Baggies side, making 34 appearances and helping them to climb to second in the Championship.

The midfielder's impressive displays this term appear to have convinced Slaven Bilic, who confirmed in April that the Baggies were interested in signing him permanently at the end of the season.

Due to the delay to the 2019/20 campaign, it remains unclear when that will be but it is understood West Brom are confident of securing an agreement with Benfica to extend Krovinovic's loan if the season is extended.

You'd imagine that will please his captain, who, speaking to the Express and Star, suggested he'd had the chance to play alongside some top midfielders for the club and included the Croatian as one of those.

He said: "Fortunately I've had the likes of Romaine, Chris Brunt, Gareth Barry over the past few seasons and now little Filip who makes that role his own as well.

"He can come short and get on the ball. Filip is a brilliant ball player and when he gets on the ball it allows me to run on.

"And I like having that freedom – I like to get around and try and lead by example."

It has been reported previously that West Brom may need to pay a fee in the region of €11 million (£9.6m) for 24-year-old, who still has two years left on his contract with Benfica.

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The Verdict

To put Krovinovic alongside the likes of Brunt and Barry, who have been fantastic servants to the club, is high praise indeed from Livermore.

The Baggies have been blessed with a high-quality central midfield trio this term and it is no surprise to hear that they want to keep them together if the season is extended, and beyond that.

Given the fee they're understood to be expected to pay, you'd imagine a permanent move for Krovinovic will hinge on promotion.