West Bromwich Albion are reportedly confident of striking an agreement with Benfica to ensure that on-loan midfielder Filip Krovinovic will remain at the club if the season is extended. 

The Croatian was the first signing made by Slaven Bilic after he joined the club in June and has been an important player for the Baggies this season – featuring 34 times and providing two goals and four assists.

Krovinovic joined on a season-long loan from Benfica in the summer, though Bilic has confirmed that the Championship club are keen to sign him permanently at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

When exactly that will be is uncertain. The EFL season has been suspended for nearly two months and it remains unclear if, how, and when it will be concluded.

It appears the Baggies have taken action to ensure they can keep their squad together if it restarts in the summer as, according to the Express and Star, they're confident of securing an agreement with Benfica to ensure Krovinovic will remain at the club if the 2019/20 campaign is extended.

It is understood such agreements have already been reached with West Ham United over Grady Diangana and Sheffield United over Callum Robinson.

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The Verdict

This is excellent news for the Baggies.

Krovinovic has been an important player for Bilic's side this season, so it is important they ensure he is available should the season return.

If it does, West Brom can get their promotion push back underway. They're second in the Championship and have a six-point gap over the play-offs as things stand and will be confident of securing a place in the top flight.

Given the season will likely be played in a short window, the Baggies will want to ensure they have all their players available to them.