The 21-year-old has been among the Baggies top performers this term, scoring nine goals in 28 appearances.

But they must now find a replacement this month, after Foxes boss Claude Puel decided to trigger a recall option in the loan agreement.

Barnes’s future had been the source of much speculation after his excellent first half of the campaign at The Hawthorns.

The player is thought to have had reservations about returning to his parent club, having not featured last season after being recalled early from a loan spell at Barnsley.

But Puel, under pressure after Leicester after their shock FA Cup exit at Newport, has again taken the decision to take him back.

Albion, who had put their January plans on hold while they awaited news of Barnes’s future, must now place sourcing an attacking player at the top of their list.

"We’re obviously very disappointed to see Harvey go as he has clearly played an important role for the team over the first half of this season" Darren Moore said.

“He has been a pleasure to work with and a popular figure within the Club. We are proud to have played a role in his development and we have nothing but good wishes for him in his future career."

“Harvey grasped his opportunity and I am now confident that some of the many talented young players here will follow his example.”