George Thorne left behind by West Brom
Midfielder George Thorne stayed behind as West Brom headed for the United States on tour, with Derby County making a renewed bid to force his signing.
Albion have rejected two bids from the Championship club – and even two transfer requests from the 21-year-old who is keen to return to the Rams after his successful loan spell last season.
But fresh talks were underway today as Derby returned to try to prise the player from Albion's clutches.
They have been warned, however, that their two offers so far – which have barely taken Thorne's value beyond the £1m mark – remain way short of Albion's valuation.
Head coach Alan Irvine said: "The club are in talks with Derby about George and while those negotiations continue it makes sense for him to remain at home.
"However, if no agreement is reached, George will be flown out to join the rest of the group in the US."
Derby's continued interest in Thorne is a further complication Albion could do without in a summer which sees the club trying to re-stock its Premier League squad.
He featured in the second-half of this week's first public pre-season friendly and Irvine has made it clear that the chance to make a fresh start – and bid for first team football - under his guidance was there for the player.
Irvine has made it clear that he will need replacements for any players allowed to leave beyond the numbers he is already seeking.
But Albion's midfield department is the most competitive at the club and Thorne clearly feels he has better option for senior football at Derby.
The Baggies fly out for an 11-day spell in California, where they will twice play new USL Pro side Sacramento Republic.
Albion's Stateside friendlies against Sacramento Republic will take place at Bonney Field on Monday and then again a week tomorrow. Both kick off 7.30pm West Coast USA time.
