It's currently unclear whether West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce will sanction a loan move away for Alex Mowatt amid links to Middlesbrough, according to the Northern Echo.

The 27-year-old has found himself on the bench during the Baggies' opening two league games of the season, a much different situation to the one he found himself in this time last year considering he was one of the first names on the teamsheet under former boss Valerien Ismael.

He came off the bench very briefly on the opening day of the season at the Riverside - but failed to make it onto the pitch at all against Watford earlier this week and this has created uncertainty regarding his future.

 

 

Not only have his lack of minutes created this uncertainty - but also the Daily Mail's report linking him to Boro - who are currently on the prowl for two new midfielders following the departure of former key man Marcus Tavernier and are currently looking to bring the West Brom man in loan.

The Northern Echo have backed up this report and believe he's on Chris Wilder's list going into the final few weeks of the summer window, with his eight goals and seven assists for Barnsley during the 2020/21 campaign making him a potentially suitable replacement for Tavernier.

However, the same outlet have also reported that it's currently unclear whether Bruce will let the midfielder secure a temporary stay at the Riverside, with Mowatt's future potentially in the 61-year-old's hands.

He started in last night's 1-0 victory against Sheffield United and played the full 90 minutes against Paul Heckingbottom's side, though it remains to be seen whether he will be more of a regular figure for the Baggies in the near future.

The Verdict:

From Albion's point of view, it wouldn't make sense for this deal to go through because they would be strengthening a potential promotion rival in the process.

Mowatt may not have had the season he would've wanted to last year - but he can still be a real asset as he showed during the early stages of 2021/22 and this is why Bruce should be looking to keep him at The Hawthorns at the summer.

Not only should he be keeping the midfielder because of his quality - but also because of the lack of options they may end up having in midfield if he did go - with Taylor Gardner-Hickman potentially needed at full-back on occasions.

They could potentially bring in a replacement - but they already need to strengthen other areas and if they have to look at the midfield position too - that would give them a mountain to climb in terms of trying to get all of their incoming business done and dusted before the window closes.

These are just some of the reasons why they need to retain him - because they may regret loaning him out if he thrives and helps Boro clinch promotion at Albion's expense.