West Brom will consider loan offers for Oliver Burke in January
Albion will consider loan offers for Oliver Burke in January as they attempt to find the young forward more senior minutes.
Head coach Darren Moore ideally wants the £15million man to be ready to help the Baggies in the second half of the season.
But he’s also aware the best way for the 21-year-old to develop is with games, and could send him out on loan to a struggling Championship club or a side in League One.
“I’m looking at both aspects,” said Moore, when asked if Burke could leave temporarily. “I want him to be ready for us of course, but we’ll have a look at it.
“We wanted to put Oli on a training regime where he’s playing a volume of games.”
Although he scored his first Albion goal in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, Burke has only played 38 minutes of Championship football for the Baggies from two substitute appearances.
Moore is keen for the youngster, who has been put on a special training regime, to play more games.
He is also attempting to teach the winger to play further forward as a striker, which may impact on his decision in January.
Moore added: “It’s easy to forget Oli is a young pro and while he’s got some fantastic attributes we are developing him for some versatile roles so when we get him back in the team there’s a clear understanding.
“It’s important that Oli gets more than bit-parts in games, he needs to get match fit.
“We’ve utilised the under-23s to give him that strength, robustness and fitness to maintain over 90 minutes.
“By playing in those you get tougher, and he’s getting there at the moment. He’s scoring goals and we’re keeping a close eye on him.”
Burke has scored four goals in seven games for the under-23s so far this season.
Meanwhile, Salomon Rondon has confirmed he wants to make his loan move to Newcastle a permanent one.
“Permanent deal? Yes, of course,” he told the Daily Mirror. “It now depends on my work. I just do my best.
“I have to help the team, win games, score goals. It won’t be my decision.
“But I know my family is settled here and so are the kids, and they speak English. I would be really happy to stay.”
A permanent move to Newcastle for Rondon could open the door for Dwight Gayle, who came the other way on loan, to join the Baggies permanently.
