Slaven Bilic due to discuss Rekeem Harper's future with wantaway teenager
Slaven Bilic is due to sit down with wantaway teenager Rekeem Harper in order to discuss his future.
The 19-year-old’s contract is up at the end of this month, making him a free agent.
If he moves to an English club, Albion will be paid a compensation fee determined by tribunal but if he moves abroad, they will receive Fifa’s flat fee of £235,000.
Celtic are keen on Harper, and may return for him now their £3m signing of Motherwell teenager David Turnbull hangs in the balance.
The Baggies have made Harper their second and final contract offer, but he is yet to sign.
However, Bilic is expected to meet the teenager before the month is out and speak to him about staying.
Albion’s new manager is due to arrive in England over the weekend before his official unveiling to the press next week.
His backroom staff are expected to be confirmed soon with two appointments likely this weekend.
As it stands, former caretaker boss Jimmy Shan remains first team coach and will not be asked to return to the under-23s, but he is likely to have outside offers.
Now Bilic has been appointed, Albion’s recruitment plans can gather pace.
A loan deal for 20-year-old West Ham defender Reece Oxford has already been mooted should his transfer to Augsburg fall through.
Bilic is looking forward to sinking his teeth into the Championship, having only managed in the Premier League in England.
He said: “First of all, my friends know, and my fellow coaches know, not just here in Croatia but throughout Europe, that the Championship was always a competition that was on my bucket list.
“This is a common view and not just with me, I assure you. This is a view held by many coaches all over Europe.
“It is like the real essence of football; it is a proper league and when I get the chance to manage one of the strongest clubs in this division, it was an easy decision to make.
“I’ve played in England, I’ve managed in England. I know the club, I know West Bromwich Albion and its history, its traditions. I know their story.”
Elsewhere, former loan star Harvey Barnes signed a new five-year contract at Leicester City.
