West Brom youngster 'rejecting' contract amid Arsenal and Newcastle transfer links

West Bromwich Albion centre-forward Reyes Cleary has reportedly rejected a professional contract and opted to leave the club this summer.

The 18-year-old has scored more than 30 goals across the under-18s and under-23s sides this season but has been left out of the last two rounds of the Premier League Cup. Albion advanced past Derby County and Fulham in the teenager's absence over the last month.

Cleary's goalscoring exploits and the lack of a signed full-time contract has reportedly attracted the interest of several clubs from the Premier League and further afield. Arsenal, Everton, Newcastle United and Southampton have all apparently expressed interest, while Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Red Bull Salzburg are said to have scouted the striker.

On Tuesday (10th May) afternoon, Cleary took to Instagram and posted the clearest hint yet that a future away from Albion awaits. Accompanying a photo of the club's training ground was the caption: "What a journey it's been! Thank you for everything!"

That was followed up later that evening with a dressing room photo of the club's academy players with the caption: "One last push Friday boys." This alludes to the PL Cup final against Wolverhampton Wanderers later this week, which Cleary is not expected to feature in, having missed the quarter-final and semi-final.

It is now being reported by the Express and Star that a decision was made as far back as March, when the player is believed to have told the club professional terms would not be taken up in the West Midlands. They add that Albion believe an 'attractive package' was offered to keep the player, but that it was rejected and has seen the striker decide to leave.