Stoke City were interested in signing West Brom midfielder Sam Field on a permanent basis during the summer transfer window, the Express and Star have revealed.

The 21-year-old midfielder instead joined fellow Championship side, Charlton Athletic, on a season-long loan on deadline day, alongside another Baggies player, Jonathan Leko.

It is thought that West Brom had preferred a loan move to The Valley for Field, because of Charlton manager Lee Bowyer's reputation for developing young players.

Since making the move to London, Field has made three appearances in all competitions for the Addicks, who currently sit third in the early Championship standings following an impressive start to the season.

Prior to his temporary move to Charlton, Field had made 40 appearances in all competitions for the Baggies, scoring twice, having made his debut for the club in May 2016.

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There are still three years remaining on Field's contract with West Brom, securing his future at the club until the summer of 2022.

The Verdict

I think this was absolutely the right move for West Brom.

For starters, the length of Field's contract with the club meant they were under no pressure to sell the midfielder this summer, so it seems as though this will suit them much more.

Not only does Bowyer have a reputation for developing young players, but the fact that this is only a temporary deal means that it is West Brom who look set to benefit from that in the long term.

By contrast, a permanent move to Stoke for Field would have denied the Baggies the opportunity to do that, while also strengthening a side who were tipped to rival them for promotion to the Premier League this season.