West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo has paved the way for Leon Barnett to complete a permanent switch to Coventry in the January transfer window. The West Brom centre-back joined the Sky Blues on loan at the start of November in a deal that runs until the end of next month.

However, both Barnett and Coventry boss Chris Coleman have previously hinted a permanent transfer could be a possibility in the new year.

But asked whether bringing Barnett back from his spell at the Ricoh Arena could plug the gap left by (Abdoulaye) Meite's departure, Di Matteo told the club's official website: "We probably won't bring him back. I think he's happy where he is.

"He is playing week in, week out and I don't think he wants to come back and not play."