West Brom fear they may have to cash in on Nathan Ferguson in January to avoid losing him for minimal compensation next summer.
England under-20 full-back Ferguson, whose current contract expires at the end of this season, is wanted by Tottenham and Crystal Palace when the transfer window reopens.
Spurs have identified Ferguson, 19, as a potential long-term solution to their right back problem, having been forced to play a variety of players in the position, while Palace want him as a replacement for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Following his breakthrough this season under Slaven Bilic and in light of the interest West Brom are keen to tie Ferguson down on a new five-year deal.
Though West Brom are increasingly concerned that Ferguson will instead let his contract run down and move abroad at the end of the season, leaving for a fraction of his value in the process.
West Brom would only be entitled to training compensation of less than £300,000 under FIFA guidelines if he made a cross-border transfer. West Brom lost promising striker Louie Barry in similar circumstances last summer. He turned down a professional contract to join Barcelona.
The Spanish giants paid in the region of £235,000 in compensation to prise Barry, 16, away from the Hawthorns.