West Bromwich Albion have reportedly taken out a bank loan in order to remain competitive in the January transfer window, report the Express and Star. 

Chief Executive Mark Jenkins has borrowed the money against the parachute payments due to be paid next season by the Premier League, guaranteeing the club will repay the money as soon as they can.

So far, Everton defender Mason Holgate is the only new face to arrive at the club, joining on loan until the end of the season, but the Express and Star claim that a second 'significant' loan could arrive before the close.

Thanks to a large wage bill, the Baggies are set to be overdrawn by the start of February, even if no new faces arrive before the end of the window.

Darren Moore's side currently sit in fourth place in the Championship table with 27 matches played, three points behind second-placed Sheffield United and seven behind table-toppers Leeds United.

This weekend sees them travel to strugglers Bolton Wanderers who currently sit second-bottom of the second-tier.

The verdict 

This sounds relatively harmless at the moment but could be a slippery slope.

We have seen the powers that be run clubs into the ground before because of their desire to win promotion at all costs.

It is crucial that the Baggies do not get themselves into a position like that.