Tony Pulis suggests West Brom pair would benefit from loan moves

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Tony Pulis has suggested that Jonathan Leko and Sam Field would benefit from leaving West Bromwich Albion for loan spells elsewhere.

Tony Pulis has suggested that the likes of Jonathan Leko and Sam Field would find it extremely beneficial to leave West Brom on loan this summer, just as David Beckham and Jermain Defoe did when they left their respective clubs for short spells elsewhere at the start of their careers, the Birmingham Mail reports.

Leko and Field are arguably the two brightest academy prospects pushing for a first-team spot at the Hawthorns, and – unsurprisingly, given the lack of numbers within the Baggies squad – they have been involved with the first-team during pre-season.

Jonathan Leko

But while some West Brom fans may feel that their involvement – with their latest appearances coming in the 2-1 defeat to Bristol Rovers at the weekend – is a sign that Pulis wants to use them more often this term, the Baggies boss has suggested that temporary exits may be the best option for both of them.

“People might say ‘why do you want to let them out?’” He said, as reported by the Birmingham Mail.

“Look at United and how [David] Beckham went to Preston and how the lad came back, even [Jermain] Defoe and people like that.

“They played out on loan first before they really ripened and performed.

“Our kids have been well looked after, spoiled in lots of respects because of the way the club is set up and run – it is just a fantastic organisation. They need to get out and learn about the finer arts of professional football.”

While West Brom supporters will be pleased that Pulis is thinking about what it will take to get the best out of two very bright youngsters within the squad, their loan exits would surely be concerning at this stage.

West Brom already boast an incredibly thin squad, and without a significant number of signings before the window shuts, losing anymore players is surely a major gamble.

And therefore, fans will be hoping that if Leko and Field do leave during the coming weeks, Pulis responds by bringing a number of players in to bolster the squad.