Albion and Blues in race for Grant

Albion and Birmingham are keeping tabs on Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Lee Grant as they weigh up potential summer transfer bids.

The Baggies and Blues are among a host of Premier League sides monitoring the highly-rated shot-stopper, who looks certain to leave Hillsborough at the end of the season.

Albion scouts have watched Grant several times since the former Derby No 1 made a string of smart saves against them at the Hawthorns in March.

Blues have also shown a fresh interest in a player they first enquired about last summer, before completing Joe Hart's successful loan move from Manchester City.

But the West Midlands rivals could face stiff competition from across the country should they choose to firm up their interest in the summer.

A group of clubs headed by moneybags Manchester City have been monitoring the 27-year-old, who has re-established his credentials with Wednesday after falling out of favour towards the end of his seven years at Derby.

Bolton and Burnley, managed by Grant's former Hillsborough boss Brian Laws, have also been keeping close watch on his situation.

His solid form during the last two seasons for the Owls has enhanced his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers outside the Premier League and made him the club's most saleable asset.

Grant now looks certain to move on at the end of the season, even if Alan Irvine's men win their battle to avoid relegation to League One.

Albion are in the market for a new keeper this summer, after Dean Kiely accepted the official role of goalkeeping coach at the Hawthorns.

That moves means that the 39-year-old, who has provided back-up this season for first-choice Scott Carson, will remain registered as a player but will focus mainly on coaching duties.

Grant's age and cost – valued at around £1million – would suit the Baggies but the presence of Carson as established No 1 and Hawthorns captain could deter Grant, who is keen to play regular football.

And Blues boss Alex McLeish could be forced to revamp his entire goalkeeping department in the summer, if Hart does not return for a second season.

The Scot is believed to have enquired strongly about Grant a year ago and maintained a watching brief since.