West Brom sporting director Luke Dowling says it would be a mistake for Leicester to recall Harvey Barnes from his loan spell early.
The 20-year-old has caught the eye for the Albion in the early part of the season after making the switch to the Hawthorns on a 12-month loan deal during the summer, Barnes scoring five times in 12 Championship appearances.
The playmaker’s good form in the second tier saw him earn a first cap for the England Under-21s this week as he featured in the 2-0 win over Scotland, and Dowling is excited about the direction of the West Brom team with Barnes in it.
However, recent speculation has indicated that Leicester are giving serious consideration to activating a clause in Barnes’ loan agreement which would see him return to the King Power Stadium in January.
Dowling says he’s heard nothing from the Foxes in regards to cutting short his loan stint and believes it would be best for the player to get a full season of senior football under his belt, rather than play a bit part role in Claude Puel’s side.
“It’s up to Leicester. But Harvey will have a say in that,” he told BBC WM.
“Ultimately, if Leicester say they’re recalling him, he can’t say I’m staying here. But he’s enjoyed himself here. And he appreciates what the club are doing for him.
“If he carries on playing with us all season, then come July, Leicester will have a player who can threaten their first team.
“Personally, I think if he goes back there in January, is he going to be in the first team? I wouldn’t think so. Is he going to be in and around the squad? Possibly.
“Is that the best thing for Harvey Barnes at this stage of his career? No.
“As we speak, we’ve had no contact from Leicester in relation to him going back.”
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