‘Already done’ - Bristol City boss gives green light on future West Brom transfer

Nigel Pearson has revealed everything is in place for Bristol City to sign Taylor Gardner-Hickman on a permanent deal from West Brom.

The 21-year-old signed on a season-long loan from the Baggies on Tuesday night, and to the Robins' delight was a deal that was quickly turned around after they entered the market for a right-back following an unspecified injury to summer arrival Ross McCrorie.

Though the initial deal only runs until the end of the season, City do have an option to buy the Telford-born utility man when his loan expires. The club reported it was an 'option to buy' and it is unsure how much will be paid to the Midlands club should the loan spell prove to be successful.

“The clauses have all been agreed so if we decide to take that option up then it’s already done,” Pearson said.

He is first expected to provide cover for the right-back position which is currently held by George Tanner, though he is capable of playing as a midfielder in the ten role, and that is where Carlos Corberan believed his best position was before green lighting his departure from The Hawthorn's.

Gardner-Hickman has been with West Brom for 14-years and this is his first time spent away from the club and there is a real possibility that he could depart permanently come May.

West Brom allowed him to leave as they are looking to get players off their books to fund moves for other players, and now the player has the added motivation of having his long-term future mapped out for him should he appease the manager during his loan spell at the club.

“I think that gives him something to aim for as well," added Pearson.

Gardner-Hickman is likely to represent the last bit of transfer business for City's first-team, with Nigel Pearson revealing that the club are at their 'limit' in terms of their wage bill, ruling out the possibility of any further arrival.

Earlier this week it was reported that the club was closing in on a deal for Adam Murphy from St Patrick's Athletic, but he's expected to join up with the Under-21's rather than go straight into the senior set-up.