A former Arsenal trainee, Willock joined the Baggies on loan from Benfica in the summer.

The 21-year-old, who can play out wide or in the number 10 role, is yet to make a first-team appearance for Slaven Bilic’s side.

But he is still deemed to be a player with real potential by the Albion hierarchy and has impressed in seven outings for the under-23s.

The Express & Star understands the loan deal which took Willock to The Hawthorns includes an option for the transfer to be made permanent for what has been described by Albion as a “reasonable fee.”

And the Baggies will continue to assess the forward before deciding whether to activate their option.

Willock comes from a footballing family with his brother’s Joe and Matty midfielders at Arsenal and Gillingham respectively.

His first-team opportunities at Albion have largely been limited due to the form of Grady Diangana, Matheus Pereira, Matt Phillips, Kyle Edwards and Filip Krovinovic.

But the forward is enjoying his time at the club and working hard to force his way into Bilic’s plans.

Advertising

“My main goal is to get minutes in the first-team,” Willock said.

“Hopefully I can do that soon. I spoke to the boss a few weeks ago and he said I need to be to patient and wait for an opportunity and keep working hard.

“That’s what I intend to do I think the team has a lot of quality and it’s show’s because the team is playing very well, the boss has a good relationship with all the players and hopefully the first-team can carry on with their recent form.”

Meanwhile, Albion have issued a reminder that half-season tickets are now on sale.

Advertising

Priced from £199 for adults, the tickets begin on December 29 when Middlesbrough visit The Hawthorns.

Fans buying a half season ticket are also eligible for reduced entry for the clash against Brentford on December 21.

Tickets for that game are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for under-23s when buying a half season ticket.