Leko wings way back to Albion

ALAN Pardew will run the rule over several Albion youngsters, who have returned from loan spells.

Among them is winger Jonathan Leko, recalled from Championship promotion contenders Bristol City.

The 17-year-old, who made 11 appearances for the high-flying Robins, will resume training with Albion this week.

Leko has played 16 senior matches for the Baggies since making his debut under Tony Pulis in a League Cup clash at Norwich in September 2015.

Tyler Roberts, 18, will remain with Walsall until his loan runs out on January 27.

He is battling a hamstring problem but his form with the Saddlers, where he has scored five goals in 15 League One games, has not gone unnoticed. The Baggies have turned down a multimillion-pound offer for the forward, who has also interested French giants Marseille.

Roberts is out of contract in the summer and Albion are keen to discuss his future when the Wales Under-21 ace returns to the club.

Midfielder Rekeem Harper has been recalled from a season-long loan at Blackburn. The 17-year-old failed to make a single appearance for Tony Mowbray’s Rovers, who are third in League One.

His spell in Lancashire was rocked by a hip injury, although Harper has been passed fit to rejoin training at Albion.

Jack Fitzwater has completed his half-season loan at League Two Forest Green Rovers, while Shaun Donnellan has returned from the same agreement with Walsall.

The dual loans of Kane Wilson and Kyle Edwards to Exeter City expire this week.

Talks are under way which could see both return to St James’ Park for the second half of the season.

They will not feature against their parent club in Saturday’s FA Cup thirdround tie.