Former Albion No.2 Michael Appleton has revealed he hopes to sign George Thorne and Scott Allan on loan for Portsmouth next season.
The midfield pair impressed the Portsmouth boss during loan spells at Fratton Park last season and Appleton is keen to retain their services as he plots an immediate return to the Championship.
Appleton admits he faces competition to sign the promising midfielders but hoped they favour a return to the south coast, if made available by new Baggies boss Steve Clarke.
“You never know about George and Scott coming back,” he said. I would never say never.
"I would imagine they would have a lot of admirers from how they played last season. They are good players.
"At the end of the day, is Portsmouth a big enough club for them to take a chance to come and play? I would say it is.
"I have been in touch with them this summer but only by text.
"They are good lads who enjoyed it here.
"The players will know where they stand at West Brom once pre-season is out of the way and it’s the start of the season in terms of mid-August.
"Who knows if they will come back to us?
"I think it is going to be very difficult.
"But I would never rule it out with the relationship I have with the two lads.
"Like I said, it is a case of never say never."
Do you think Thorne and Allan should go out on loan next season or fight for a first team place at Albion? Have your say here.