West Brom interested in Premier League youngster but another hot-shot set for elsewhere
Albion face stiff competition if they are to be successful in a move for Tottenham starlet Will Lankshear before Monday's deadline.
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It is understood the Baggies are admirers of Lankshear, 19, in their pursuit of a striker to bolster Tony Mowbray's options in the forward area.
But Albion are not alone in their stance towards the England under-20 international, who is seen as one of the brightest prospects among his age group in the country.
Lankshear is already on the fringes of the Spurs first team. He has made six senior appearances and netted his first goal in the Europa League away to Galatasaray this season.
Other clubs including Burnley, Middlesbrough, Cardiff and Luton have been credited with interest in the teen's situation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
But Albion's trump card when it comes to landing a highly-rated young loan is boss Mowbray. The head coach's reputation for developing promising talent is well regarded with examples like Liverpool's Harvey Elliott at Blackburn and Manchester United's Amad Diallo at Sunderland.
Mowbray also had Premier League youngsters Jan Paul van Hecke and Tosin Adarabioyo at Ewood Park. Director of football operations Ian Pearce is heading the club's recruitment drive.
The young forward was originally an Arsenal youth product before moving to Sheffield United, where he spent one year until 2022, when Spurs brought him back to north London. Lankshear netted 23 goals in the Premier League 2 last term and was the under-21s division's player of the season.
Baggies boss Mowbray insisted he was relaxed about the situation at his press conference on Thursday, but said he was hopeful Albion got a deal for a striker over the line.
Mowbray hinted an incoming could be a loan or a permanent move for a target.
One admired player who will not head to The Hawthorns this month is Chelsea prospect Marc Guiu.
The 19-year-old, a Spanish youth international who Chelsea signed from Barcelona for £5million last summer, has been suggested as another loan target.
But it is understood Guiu is set for a loan move to a Premier League club for the remainder of the season.
