West Brom are ready to step up their efforts to sign United States international Tim Ream on loan after the defender impressed boss Roy Hodgson.

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West Brom are ready to step up their efforts to sign United States international Tim Ream on loan after the defender impressed boss Roy Hodgson.

The 24-year-old spent a successful week training with the Baggies and the club are now set to test the water with his club, New York Red Bulls.

Ream, who has seven full international caps, left Albion yesterday and will spend a similar training spell with Bolton next week but he has already done enough to catch Hodgson's eye.

"He has done very well," said Hodgson. "He has made a good impression on everybody and we think he's going to be a good player.

"We would consider a loan, absolutely. It's to do with New York Red Bulls and the MLS.

"But I don't think the MLS can override the clubs so the principal discussion regarding a loan or purchase of Tim Ream would have to be made with the club.

"Could he play in the Premier League? Yes, I think he could."

Ream's agent has already hinted that Red Bulls would be reluctant to sell Ream in January. But US national team boss Jurgen Klinsmann and MLS officials are keen for top American players to gain experience in Europe, opening up the possibility of a loan deal.