West Brom face fee for Australia's Jason Davidson

Albion have been told they will have to pay a fee for Australian international Jason Davidson if they want press ahead with his signing.

The Baggies have held preliminary talks with the 23-year-old left-back, who played in all three of his nation's World Cup games, in the belief that he was a free agent.

But Davidson's Dutch Eredivisie side Heracles Almelo have insisted that they have a one-year option on his contract which they have activated.

That means Albion will have to strike a deal with the club if they press ahead with their interest in a player who can also dovetail into a midfield role and has made made just under 50 appearances in two years in Holland.

Before that he played in in Portugal with Pacos de Ferreira and Fulham have also been in touch with the defender in the belief that he was freely available.

But Heracles director of football Nico-Jan Hoogma says: "In January, Jason and his agent indicated they would like to continue here for two more years.

"He wanted to wait until the World Cup with Australia to decide but because we wanted to keep him we haven't terminated his contract.

"The fact he hasn't left (by July 1) means he is under the same conditions. Those are the rules of the collective agreement for professional footballers and we've discussed this with Jason and his agent."

Davidson is one of the options Albion are considering for the full back berths which need a complete rebuild after end-of-season departures.

They are considering a move for Villa exile Alan Hutton and have this week added the signing of Chris Baird to that of Craig Gardner – two players who can figure in the right-back position.

Baird has shrugged off a luke warm greeting from some Albion fans by revealing his relish for the challenge.

He says: "I know a lot of the players here, it's a new challenge. They have a small squad. They will add to that - they have already with Craig, Joleon and myself - and I'm looking forward to the new season now.

"I don't mind where I play. I'm here to help out where I can - whether it's right back, left back, centre-half, central midfield.

"Some people say it's good to have that versatility but it can be difficult to nail down one position. "We will see what happens. It's up to the manager where he plays me.

"When this opportunity came about I wanted to take it again.

"I've heard many great things about Alan Irvine before I came here. We only had a brief chat but he's clearly a good manager and I can't wait to work for him."