West Brom blog: Albion missing a trick if they don't hold onto Tyler Roberts

It’s been reported recently that both Rangers and Marseille are interested in the striker, whose contract runs out in the summer.

While I can understand the inevitable interest from elsewhere, I’d ideally like to see Roberts stay at the Hawthorns and be given a proper opportunity in the first team, either next season or the season after.

The Baggies have reportedly offered him a new deal and Alan Pardew has told the media that he likes the look of him which bodes well, however, it’s ultimately down to Roberts himself if he wants to commit or not.

I very much hope he does as he’s a special talent – technically gifted, pacy and skilful. He can also operate in a variety of positions, whether it be up front, behind the frontman or on the wing.

A lot of the spotlight goes on Sam Field and Jonathan Leko as our brightest academy graduates – rightly so, they’re both fine young talents - but Roberts is on the same level as them in terms of ability with the potential to move onto an even higher level.

He’s made a good impression whenever he’s gone out on loan at Oxford United, Shrewsbury Town and Walsall, his latest employer.

The 19-year-old is at an important stage of his career and of course he needs to be playing regular football. He’s only managed 17 minutes of senior football with Albion so far having came off the bench to make his debut against Liverpool in the 2015/16 campaign.

My advice to him would be to sign a new deal, try and have a strong pre-season and then take it from there. The onus would be on the club to provide enough opportunities for him to blossom.

To conclude, it would be a real shame to see a player of his potential and quality leave the club without being given a proper opportunity, especially for a fee as low as £300,000 which has been reported.

You can follow Nathan Carr (@njcarr_)