West Brom loan deal for Arsenal's Jay Simpson

Dec 23 2008 By Chris Lepkowski

Arsenal striker Jay Simpson has announced that he will be joining West Bromwich Albion on loan in the new year.

Simpson, who will be 20 on Saturday, is expected to be at The Hawthorns for the rest of the season.

The transfer has not yet been rubber-stamped, despite Simpson's claims, although Albion hope to announce the deal early next week.

Simpson said: "My advisors have arranged for me to join West Brom on loan.

"They play good football and hopefully I'll get some first-team experience which will give me a good chance at Arsenal in the long-term.

"Playing regularly will help me develop my game."

Simpson was the first player to score a hat-trick at the Emirates Stadium, during a 3-2 Youth Cup win over Cardiff.

The youngster, who would also give Albion an option on the right-wing, made his Arsenal first-team debut in the 6-0 win against Sheffield United in the Carling Cup earlier this season.