The Athletic's Steve Madeley has claimed that full-back Nathan Thompson's West Bromwich Albion career is over, suggesting that he has "already moved on" in the minds of both the player and the club. 

The 19-year-old is a product of the Baggies academy system and was handed his first-team debut by Slaven Bilic on the opening day of the season – a 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest.

Ferguson quickly became a regular fixture in the West Brom side, missing just four of the Baggies' first 23 Championship games, and was rewarded for his performances with a call up to the England U20s.

The teenager's performances turned the heads of some Premier League sides and he nearly joined Crystal Palace on January transfer deadline day.

However, the deal fell through after the clubs could not agree a new fee following the discovery of a knee injury in his medical.

Ferguson's current deal at the Hawthorns expires in the summer and West Brom sporting director Luke Dowling revealed in February that discussions with the teenager's agent suggested he would not sign a new deal and would leave at the end of the current campaign.

In a Q&A for The Athletic, Madeley provided an update on the situation concerning the young defender and hinted that his West Brom career is over.

He said: "I think in the minds of both parties he's already moved on."

According to Football.London, there are a number of teams keen on Ferguson but Palace are in pole position to sign him in the summer.

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The Verdict

Madeley is a trusted source on West Brom, which makes this statement on the state of affairs concerning the young defender seems a definitive one.

Ferguson's exit has seemed likely for a while but this claim indicates that there is no coming back at this point.

The way this has played out is a real shame. The 19-year-old is a homegrown talent but it now seems as if his exit is going to leave a bitter taste in the mouth of Baggies fans.