The reason why Alfie Gilchrist is keen to leave West Brom as loan chance beckons

Alfie Gilchrist looks set to spend the upcoming season away from West Bromwich Albion.

The former Chelsea youth product has failed to make an impression in B71 since joining permanently last summer.

West Brom had originally paid £2million to bring him to the Midlands but it seems his future, at least in the short-term is elsewhere.

Leyton Orient want to sign Gilchrist and seeing as they are unlikely to be able to afford him, a loan move is the only option on the table.

And the opportunity to spend time away from West Brom is not only down to getting more game time amid Gilchrist's limited involvement in pre-season.

There is another reason as to why he wishes to depart this summer.

Alfie Gilchrist wants to play in his preferred role ahead of West Brom exit

Gilchrist was prurchased as a right-back but it does seem he enjoys playing another position on the pitch more.

According to the Express and Star, one of the main factors behind Gilchrist's keeness to depart is in order to routinely play at centre-back.

Last season, the Englishman started just two games in the centre of defence for the Baggies.

And one of those games, which was against Southampton was perhaps one of his best for West Brom.

Gilchrist had originally pushed into the first team at Chelsea as a right-back but according to Transfermarkt, central defence was his first position.

Throughout his career at both youth and senior level, he has played 81 games at centre-back with 47 at right-back.

And he now personally sees his long-term future in the middle of defence.

What is West Brom's stance on Gilchrist?

While Leyton Orient are eyeing a loan move for Gilchrist, West Brom are said to be happy to allow that.

But the London-based club are not the only team that could swoop with others "anticipated" to follow suit.

The Baggies do not want to sanction a permanent sale as they still see a future at The Hawthorns for Gilchrist.

But, West Brom do already have four centre-backs contracted for the upcoming season excluding Gilchrist himself.

So, a short-term separation certainly makes sense for all involved and after this season, the Englishman and Midlands club can reassess the situation.

West Brom are "hopeful of his long-term qualities" and perhaps he will return next season as a long-term option for the Baggies at centre-back.