Wolves and Albion eye Liam Ridgewell

Wolves could join Albion in a Black Country battle for Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell.

Molineux boss Mick McCarthy is a firm favourite of the left-back, who is available for around £3million following Blues' relegation.

McCarthy ideally wants someone of Premier League experience to fill the problem position and Ridgewell's added versatility as a left-sided central defender appeals.

At 26, the former Villa man is also relatively young, fitting the profile of players Wolves want to continue to attract to Molineux.

No approach has yet been made, with Wolves concentrating their efforts at signing a central defender.

And the price may prove to be beyond what Wolves are willing to pay, despite McCarthy's admiration for the ex-England Under-21 international.

But an interest in the player has been established, with a source close to Ridgewell saying: "I think it will end up being a battle between Wolves and Albion for Liam."

Both clubs could match Ridgewell's £20,000-a-week wages at St. Andrew's.

But Wolves have other irons in the fire at left-back, with Hearts' Lee Wallace a favourite after Liverpool's Paul Konchesky's wages proved too expensive.

Wallace, 23, has a year left on his contract and would only cost around £1million.

Albion have yet to bid for Ridgewell, but he remains on their list of possibles.

The Baggies confirmed interest in him several weeks ago and the 6ft 1ins Londoner ticks a few boxes for them.

They are willing to sell Marek Cech, who is the only cover for first-choice Nicky Shorey and has another year on his contract.

Apart from Cech, they only have the out-of-favour Joe Mattock, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United, as the only other left-back.

Albion also need left-sided cover at centre-back for Jonas Olsson, who has missed spells in each of the last two Premier League seasons with Achilles problems.