West Brom forward and ex-Walsall loanee Reyes Cleary to join National League side on loan
Albion forward Reyes Cleary is to spend the second half of the season on loan at Hartlepool United.
The 20-year-old academy graduate heads out for his second loan deal of the season after spending the first half of the campaign at runaway League Two leaders Walsall.
Cleary trained with Pools on Thursday with confirmation imminent and the forward could make his debut for the National League club at home to Woking on Saturday.
Cleary’s move had to be below League Two level having played for two clubs - Albion and Walsall - already this season.
There were several National League clubs interested in the attacker but it is hoped he will receive sufficient game time in the north east with Hartlepool under the guidance of veteran boss Lenny Lawrence. The Pools manager and Albion chief Tony Mowbray are close.
The Hawthorns product struggled for regular minutes at Walsall with the form of other players in Mat Sadler’s league leaders. He started just two EFL Trophy games, and scored once, in eight appearances.
Meanwhile, it is understood there is loan interest in highly-rated Albion midfielder Harry Whitwell this month.
A decision is imminent as to whether the 19-year-old midfield prospect heads out for the remainder of the season.
He has yet to experience a loan deal.Richard Beale’s under-21s are in action at Middlesbrough on Friday.
