West Brom defender absent as the Baggies’ pre-season steps up

French-born centre-back Kipre, 27, swept up the club’s player of the season awards last term but has received interest in his services this summer.

Clubs from France, Germany and Turkey, as well as Premier League new-boys Ipswich, are all tracking Kipre on a free transfer.

The defender – along with fellow star performers from last season, Alex Mowatt and Kyle Bartley – became unattached free agents at midnight as their contracts at The Hawthorns officially expired.

The Express & Star understands midfielder Mowatt and defender Bartley returned for pre-season testing towards the end of last week as Albion players were measured up and put through their paces.

It remains to be seen whether their presence at the training ground means the pair are set to agree deals on the table offered in May, but the club will be keen for clarity as soon as possible.

It is understood there has been an optimism among the club that Bartley and Mowatt would re-sign, though as is normal practice players have been exploring offers. It is understood Championship rivals Hull have been in talks with Mowatt.

Senior Albion players, plus some academy youngsters, returned under the eyes of strength and conditioning and sports science staff on Thursday.

Head coach Carlos Corberan and his backroom coaching staff oversee more of pre-season training from today as the Baggies spend two weeks at their Walsall training HQ before a seven-day spell at St George’s Park, featuring two behind-closed-doors fixtures.

While it remains to be seen if Mowatt and Bartley continue their spell at the club, among the group will be new recruit, 23-year-old Mali midfielder Ousmane Diakite, the first signing of the summer who checked in as a free transfer last Thursday.

Norwegian defender Torbjorn Heggem is also set to seal his move from IF Brommapojkarna in a role that already fills the space in the squad vacated by Kipre.