Tony Mowbray has revealed he'll try his upmost to keep Kim Do-Heon at The Hawthorns - despite the Korean Republic international not featuring in his first-team plans since early February.
The Baggies boss hoped Kim would be better suited to Premier League football after his harsh introduction into the Championship last term, but after starting the season at The Emirates, has only made a further eight starts.
Kim is expected to be one of a number of players culled from the Baggies' squad as Mowbray aims to build a new team capable of escaping the Championship next term due to Albion's impending relegation. However, Mowbray has unexpectedly given the 26-year-old a Hawthorns lifeline.
"I hope he has a future at West Brom," said Mowbray.
"I like Kim very much as a footballer and yet he has had problems getting back to the level of before he was injured.
"And now he has to wait his chance.
"The midfield I pick is different without Kim. It has Morrison and Brunt and Koren so Kim has to be patient.
"What I do know is he is a very talented footballer and I am in no rush to let him leave our club. I hope he will stay and fight for his place."