The loan deal of Callum Marshall to West Bromwich Albion has been terminated early.

Earlier today, ExWHUEmployee broke the news that the Northern Ireland forward was on the cusp of returning to West Ham and would be made available to the Hammers' youth teams.

WBA's social media account has since confirmed the breaking news, stating, "Callum Marshall has returned to parent club West Ham to continue his development with the Hammers."

As part of the agreement, the Northern Ireland international can re-join Albion for the duration of his loan, if requested."

This loan deal has been nothing short of a disaster. Marshall is a prodigiously gifted young player who deserved the chance to shine. The fact that he was loaned to a club that clearly had no intention of playing him raises some serious questions about the decision-making at West Ham.

Is it too much to ask that the Hammers' best players are sent to clubs that will actually need and appreciate them? The last few months have been a complete waste of everyone's time.

I have no doubt about the player's talent, and the development squad will benefit from his return. However, the Hammers must seriously improve their loan strategy.