Iling-Junior: 'Baggies wanted me all summer'

New West Bromwich Albion winger Samuel Iling-Junior says that while the announcement of his arrival was made on transfer deadline day, the interest from The Hawthorns had lasted throughout the summer.

The 21-year-old, who helped England win the European Under-21 Championship this summer, has joined on a season-long loan deal from Aston Villa.

He told the club's website: "The interest has been there since the start of the window.

"That's something that you think about as a player, the fact that teams want you and they're really keen on you.

"It's a really good opportunity for me and I'm determined to give it my all."

Iling-Junior made 16 Championship appearances on loan with Middlesbrough last season so he already has a taste of the second tier.

"The Championship is a difficult league and there are plenty of players in this league with quality," he added. "I want to be one of the players in this league who shows their quality.

"I think this is an important move. I've spoken to the manager and we're aligned on where we want to be and that's really helpful.

"I want to get playing and I'm really excited to be here. When speaking with Ryan Mason, we spoke a lot about my best attributes which are dribbling, utilising my pace and creating opportunities for the team and adding a few goals myself.

"We also spoke about me enjoying myself, so we've had positive conversations."