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When Rekeem Harper opted to sign a new contract in the summer at the Hawthorns, he would have been hoping to emerge as a regular starter under the guidance of manager Slaven Bilic this season.

Impressive on a number of occasions during the previous campaign, the midfielder came into his own earlier this year as he helped the Baggies reach the play-offs by making 16 appearances in the Championship.

Although he was powerless to prevent West Brom from suffering defeat at the semi-final stage of this particular competition to Aston Villa, Harper illustrated enough talent and guile to indicate that he could potentially become a quality operator in the not too distant future.

However, since signing a new three-year deal in July, the 19-year-old has been forced to watch on from the sidelines in recent months due to the presence of Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers.

Whilst the latter of the two midfielders was brought in for a reported fee of £3m from Brentford in the summer, Livermore has experienced somewhat of a renaissance since Bilic's arrival.

Given that this duo have managed to develop a formidable partnership at West Brom, it is hardly surprising that Harper's game-time has been limited this season.

However, the Baggies academy graduate would have every right to be concerned about his immediate future as when Sawyers and Livermore both missed the club's clash with Sheffield Wednesday last month, he was left out of the squad altogether by Bilic.

Considering that he has recently fallen down the pecking order at West Brom, it may be beneficial for Harper to seek a temporary exit from the Hawthorns in the upcoming transfer window.

According to The Athletic, the Baggies are reportedly open to loaning the midfielder out in January in order to give him the chance to play on a regular basis.

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If this is indeed the case, it is imperative that Harper doesn't hesitate next month as a failure to agree a switch elsewhere could end up causing irreparable damage to his development as a player.

Currently being utilised almost exclusively at Under-23 level by West Brom, it could be argued that his career may stagnate if he isn't given the opportunity to play first-team football week-in, week-out.

Providing that he is able to improve his form away from the Baggies, it would not be at all surprising if Harper returns to club in the summer as a much more accomplished player.