Tony Mowbray has revealed he's enquired about the possibility of young Arsenal striker, Jay Simpson, returning on loan next season when his current deal expires in May.
The 20-year-old joined the Baggies on January 1st and opened his Premier League account during Albion's 2-2 draw away at Hull City.
A hamstring injury against Burnley in the FA Cup third-round replay hampered the pacy forward's development into a first-team regular however Mowbray has seen enough to open preliminary discussions with the Gunners.
"It's something we've tipped-toed into with Arsenal," Mowbray revealed.
"At this moment we'll keep those conversations in-house.
"But it is something we've explored with Arsenal and we'll see what's decided in the longer term.
"He came on the scene and played with an innocence to his game.
"He gave everyone a lift and a spark, and looked very, very bright.
"He picked up an injury at Burnley mainly because of the game-time he was getting.
"He'd never been asked to play Premier League football for so many games on the bounce.
"Unsurprisingly, he picked up an injury and he hasn't quite hit the levels he reached, since coming back from the injury.
"The ability is undoubtedly there and it is up to us to rediscover that and give him the opportunity to rediscover that."
Simpson was joined at The Hawthorns in January by Nancy forward Marc-Antonie Fortuné with the front man impressing with goals against Middlesbrough and Newcastle. Much like Simpson, Mowbray is keen to keep Fortuné but admits the decision lies in the hand of French-Guyana man.
"Marc knows we would like to keep him regardless of what happens," the Baggies boss continued.
"He's shown his quality and talent.
"Yet, we're not in the driving seat to make that decision.
"He'll probably sit down at the end of the season and decide what he thinks.
"All we can do is give him a platform to enjoy his football and see where we are next season.
"There is no lockdown from us in his contract.
"We can't just say 'you're staying', regardless of what happens.
"If we were to go down and he decided he didn't want to stay and play in the Championship he wouldn't have to."