Reports today suggest that Albion are poised to make a fresh £4m raid on Rangers for ex-Hibernian captain Kevin Thomson.

Stories in Scotland say the Ibrox club are braced for a new bid from Albion, for the man Tony Mowbray tried to sign last summer.

But Gers boss Walter Smith is ready to stand firm in his desire to keep 23-year-old Thomson, who has become a crucial figure in his rebuilding job with the Old Firm giants.

Mowbray is a huge fan of the central midfield linchpin he made his skipper during his time at Easter Road.

But the player has also become a huge hit with Smith and he is desperate to keep hold of him, even though Rangers would stand to make a sizeable profit on the £2m they paid Hibs for his services a year ago.

Mowbray would hope his close relationship with Thomson would lure the player south of the border, but sources in Glasgow suggest Smith may even attempt to tie Thomson up on a new and improved contract before the new season starts, to fend off other any unwanted offers.

Further rumours at Rangers, also likely to interest Albion, is that Smith is weighing up a season-long loan move for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson.

The youngster was one of Mowbray’s top targets a year ago and any signs of encouragement given to Smith might convince Mowbray to consider a fresh move.