Albion are set to sign Liverpool's richly talented Portuguese midfielder Joao Carlos Teixeira on loan for the rest of the season.

Boss Sami Hyypia has exploited his contacts with his former club to land the 21-year-old.

Teixeira joined Liverpool from Sporting Lisbon for £830,000 during the January 2012 transfer window.

He made his only senior appearance so far for the Merseyside giants as a sub against Fulham in February.

Teixeira, who has represented his country at every level from under 16s to under 21s, had a loan spell with promoted Brentford in League One last season.

He earned glowing praise from Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and manager Brendan Rodgers after his cameo appearance against Fulham.

Gerrard said: "I watched this kid a couple of years ago playing for Sporting Lisbon against Liverpool at Anfield in a youth game. I could see straight away he was the best player on the pitch."

Rodgers said: "When he has stepped up to the first team before it has been difficult for him. But I've seen a big difference in him. He is a talent.

"I always observe in training and see where players are at and Joao has looked very good. His insensity, the speed of his game - he has undoubted quality and has showed up very well."