West Bromwich Albion will know in the coming days if talisman Harvey Barnes is to be recalled by parent club Leicester City.

As reported on Leicester Live, with the impending departure of Fousseni Diabate, that will leave a gap in the Foxes’ attack, which could lead to the Premier League side opting to bring Barnes back to the King Power Stadium.

Leicester boss Claude Puel is reluctant to dip into the transfer market, and instead, could be tempted to recall the nine-goal attacker to fill the soon-to-be void.

The Foxes boss said prior the FA Cup defeat at Newport County that there were ‘more positives than negatives’ in recalling the 21-year-old, and a final decision expected in the coming days after talks between the management hierarchy at the club.

Leicester Live are also reporting, however, that it is now looking less likely that Barnes will be recalled and is expected to remain at the Hawthorns for the remainder of the season, which will be a welcome boost to Darren Moore heading into the second half of the campaign.

The verdict

“This is stunning news for all concerned with West Brom.

There has been a worry for a while now that Harvey Barnes could be recalled in the new year, but with this seemingly putting the matter to bed, the club and the player can continue to try and achieve the ultimate aim of promotion.

Barnes has been a talisman for the Baggies this term, and despite there being compelling evidence for his parent club to recall him, common sense prevails, and the attacker will be able to finish the season at the Midlands club.

It’s a decision I can get behind – putting the development of a young player ahead of the short-term advantages of bringing him back early."