West Bromwich Albion are heading into the New Year in a very healthy position, challenging at the top of the Championship table.

You'd expect that if they can keep this up, then they'll be confident over a return to the Premier League, given the points cushion they have in the automatic promotion places.

Their activity in the January transfer window could help pave the way for that unless factors outside of their control come true.

One of the Baggies' most influential players this season has been West Ham loanee Grady Diangana, who has stunned along the left-flank with his enigmatic displays.

So far he has notched up a total of ten goal contributions, five apiece in the goals and assist column, while he is also averaging 2.4 dribbles and 1.5 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

It's clear to see he has had a significant part in their impressive run, but there's a possibility that lightning strikes twice at the Hawthorns as he is able to return to his parent club, if they so wish, during a two-week period next month.

Harvey Barnes all over again some may cry.

But fear not. West Brom will be well equipped for all eventualities.

The Athletic revealed that the club do indeed have a contingency plan in place in case the Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini does a U-turn or gets fired in the near future.

They claim that manager Slaven Bilic will plead with his old club's owners to keep hold of the rising star while Hull City's Jarrod Bowen and a return for Dwight Gayle could be possibilities.

Can you score at least 80% on this Ultimate Premier League Quiz? Test your knowledge now...

Albion also have a recall option themselves, for Jonathan Leko, who has been proving his worth at Championship side Charlton Athletic this season. The winger has even played upfront for Lee Bowyer's side where he has netted a total of five goals and provided four assists.

And then there is also Kyle Edwards, the academy graduate that Bilic trusted to bring into the first-team setup during pre-season.

Whatever happens to Diangana in January. West Brom won't be allowing the same consequences to trickle down as Barnes' departure did.

In other news, history could repeat itself at the Hawthorns as this young starlet has impressed scouts...