Albion consider move for Ben Foster

Albion are considering a move to sign Birmingham star Ben Foster as their hunt for a new goalkeeper kicks on.

The one-time England international has been added to a list of potential keepers that also includes West Ham's Robert Green, former Albion man Tomasz Kuszczak and Newcastle's Steve Harper.

The Baggies would probably need to top the £3.5m they paid in 2008 for former No 1 Scott Carson in order to land Foster.

But boss Roy Hodgson is ready to devote a large chunk of his summer transfer budget to capture a top drawer goalkeeper, having made the position his top priority.

Foster, who put his England career on hold earlier this year by announcing an international sabbatical, enjoyed an impressive season at St Andrew's despite Blues' relegation from the Premier League.

And Birmingham would be keen to at least recoup the initial £4million outlay they made to bring him to the West Midlands from Manchester United a year ago.

Albion have opted to express an interest in Foster in the last 48 hours, after conceding defeat in their ambitious bid to sign Shay Given from Manchester City.

Coincidentally, Given's likely switch to Villa is set to end speculation about Foster moving to the claret and blues and increase the Baggies' chances of signing the the 28-year-old former Manchester United man.

Foster's move to Birmingham allowed him to return to his native Leamington Spa and the 6ft 4in shot-stopper is reluctant to leave the West Midlands.

However, Foster is not the only keeper under consideration by the Baggies with Green still much-admired by the Hawthorns coaching staff.

The 31-year-old also appears likely to move on this summer from another of the relegated clubs, West Ham.

And he is believed to be above Kuszczak on Albion's 'wanted list', although the Pole is still being monitored as he prepares to exit Manchester United this summer.

The Baggies are also keeping tabs on Harper, although he still hopes to secure a future at St James' Park.