Reyes Cleary sends Hartlepool message with West Brom to make future call

Cleary, who turned 21 in April, enjoyed a thrilling run of form for Pools between late January and the end of the National League season last weekend.

It was the attacking prospect's second loan of the campaign after a spell at League Two neighbours Walsall in the first half of the season did not go to plan. Cleary exited the Bescot club having failed to start a league fixture.

Due to the fact he turned out for Albion in the EFL Cup defeat to Fleetwood in the first week of the season in August, Cleary was not permitted another Football League loan and made the long move to County Durham in the north east.

He enjoyed consistent form under February-appointed Australian head coach Anthony Limbrick, at times used as a left wing-back and at times as a more advanced left-sided attacker. Cleary scored six goals in 20 appearances, 18 starts, including a spell of five goals in eight game towards the end of the campaign. 

The Birmingham-born attacker wrote on Instagram: "Dear Hartlepool fans,

"What a time it has been for me at this football club. You gave me the platform to showcase what I can do on the pitch.

"The connection I have built with you will never be forgotten.

"I would like to say thank you to all the players and staff for making me feel so welcome from the first day I arrived, and putting trust in me every time I stepped on to that pitch.

"Don't be sad because it's over, be happy because it happened."

Cleary signed a new one-year contract with a club option, in Albion's favour, of extending it by an extra 12 months at The Hawthorns.

That means Albion decision-makers face a call this summer as to what move to play for Cleary. It is thought the trigger of the 21-year-old's option will be taken up as plans for his immediate future are made. Clubs have until the third week in May to let out of contract players know their decision.

A suitable offer could tempt the club into a sale, but the more likely solution is a chance to train during pre-season for the club to assess Cleary on the back of his successful loan.

It could lead to another loan opportunity - and ideally a more successful start to the season than with Walsall 12 months ago.

Baggies legend Chris Brunt, first-team caretaker boss earlier this season, is in charge of loan deals.

Elsewhere within the under-21s, it is understood Fenton Heard, Reece Hall, Archie Kirton and Ronnie Hollingshead are among those to depart this summer.