West Brom sign Chinese striker Zhang Yuning then loan him out

China international Zhang Yuning signed for West Bromwich Albion on Monday then was promptly loaned to Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen on a two-year deal.

Baggies view Zhang as an investment for the future

The 20-year-old, who has been capped nine times at senior level, is according to the Premier League club an investment for the long-term future. His previous clubs include Hangzhou Greentown FC and Dutch side Vitesse.

“The Baggies (West Brom's nickname) have signed one of the nation's brightest young football prospects, Zhang Yuning, in a 'development project' that they hope could one day see him make a Premier League breakthrough”, read a statement on the club website.

Albion to closely monitor Zhang's progress in Germany

Albion's Director of Football Richard Garlick explained: "Zhang will get the chance to further develop at Bremen, with whom we have an excellent relationship. He will be challenging for a place in a top European league and we will be monitoring his progress before reassessing his prospects at the end of the loan period. There is no doubt he has a lot of qualities which Bremen are well-positioned to grow and develop. His progress will be the subject of great interest here at Albion but also in Germany and in China. There is no doubt that there are commercial benefits that come with the deal but the primary target is to help develop one of the best young players in a booming corner of the football industry."

Zhang's signing is subject to international clearance.