Leicester City are planning to recall Harvey Barnes from his loan at West Bromwich Albion in January, according to PA Sport journalist Nick Mashiter.

What's the word?

The Baggies had a dismal 2017-18 campaign as they were dumped out of the Premier League, but their bid for promotion is on course.

Darren Moore's side currently find themselves second in the Championship table, one point adrift of leaders Sheffield United after 12 games.

A major reason for their surge up the table is the form of Barnes, who agreed a season-long loan from Leicester in the summer.

The 20-year-old has scored five goals and created three assists in 14 appearances in all competitions so far.

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Barnes is naturally a winger but has been playing in the number 10 role, which has allowed him to link up well with Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez.

According to PA Sports journalist Nick Mashiter, Leicester have been so impressed with their academy graduate that they plan to trigger a clause that allows him to be recalled in the January transfer window.

What does this mean for West Brom?

Depending on Barnes's form at the time of the winter window it could potentially be a huge blow to lose him, and Moore needs to come up with a plan should he lose the 20-year-old in order to keep his side's promotion bid on course.

The youngster's attacking and passing prowess has been a key feature in the Baggies' last few games.

Losing a player of Barnes's quality at a crucial stage of the season is likely to hamper the club's bid for promotion.

The only answer would be to dip into the transfer market and find a replacement, possibly a short-term one.

From Barnes's point of view, returning to Leicester may not be the best option considering that he could struggle for game time.