West Brom will need to make the most of the January transfer window if they are to survive in the Premier League this season, but sporting and technical director Luke Dowling must make a more beneficial long-term move regardless of future division...

What's the word?

Throughout the summer, Albion were linked with a move for Queens Park Rangers sensation Bright Osayi-Samuel with the reliable Joseph Masi at the Express & Star confirming that the 22-year-old was someone they were closely monitoring.

The attacking midfielder saw a £5m move to Belgian outfit Club Brugge collapse, which sparked interest from the Baggies as well as SPFL giants Celtic.

Football Insider then claimed in October that Osayi-Samuel rejected a new contract, meaning he's very much likely to leave on a free at the end of the season - or perhaps on the cheap this winter.

An absolute steal for someone

This is where the West Brom hierarchy has to strike - whether that be trying to claim him in January or in the summer - either would help them out substantially.

Osayi-Samuel was perhaps QPR's unsung hero alongside Eberechi Eze last term, the new Palace star certainly took most of the plaudits. In 34 league starts, the young dynamo scored five goals and provided eight assists.

Whilst this season, he has improved statistically, averaging more dribbles (three), shots (1.4) and key passes (1.3) per game, via WhoScored.

It's no wonder Mark Warburton is still using him despite the contractual situation. He once dubbed his attacking maestro a "real handful" who has "sheer pace which terrifies defenders."

Even former England boss Steve McClaren has lauded the 22-year-old, he said: "He’s going to be a real star of the future. He’s not just got speed, he’s got that end product. He can cross, get assists and can score."

He has often been deployed on the right flank, a weak spot for Albion right now, but can also play in the middle and on the other flank too.

It seems like a no-brainer to reignite that interest when the window opens in just two months time. He'd be an absolute bargain to secure on a freebie.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Carlton Palmer lauds Albion's "fantastic talent"...