Albion return on cards for Kuszczak

Albion are favourites to re-sign Tomasz Kuszczak in a move that could trigger a shake-up of the Hawthorns goalkeeping department.

The Manchester United shot-stopper is keen on a return to the West Midlands in a switch that could spark doubts about the futures of Scott Carson and Boaz Myhill.

Albion have enquired about a deal for Kuszczak, who is set to leave Old Trafford this summer after becoming frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities.

And the Baggies have received positive feedback from the Poland international, who spent three years at the Hawthorns before joining the Red Devils in 2007.

Albion boss Roy Hodgson will face competition for his signature from clubs across Europe, but the 29-year-old is keen to remain in the Premier League.

Kuszczak has a year remaining on his United contract but the Premier League's champions-elect are unlikely to price him out of a move away.

And the player is intrigued by the prospect of a return to Albion, where he deputised for the injured Russell Hoult as the club sealed 'the Great Escape' in 2005 before ousting Chris Kirkland to become first-choice at the Hawthorns.

The Poland international, who joined the Baggies originally in 2004 from Hertha Berlin, has spent four years as understudy to Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford.

Kuszczak had hoped to become United's No 1 when the Dutchman retires in the summer, but is now ready to cut his losses and move after United made it clear they are looking elsewhere for Van der Sar's long-term successor.

The Baggies have also enquired about Japan international keeper Eiji Kawashima, of Belgian club Lierse, and the signs that Roy Hodgson is targeting a goalkeeper are bound to raise questions about Carson and Myhill.

Carson has just a year remaining on his contract plus a year's option in the Baggies' favour and the club have not yet approached the England international about an extension.

Without a new deal, this summer would be the Baggies' last chance to recoup a significant chuck of the £3.25million they paid Liverpool for Carson in 2008.

Neither Carson nor Myhill, who penned a three-year deal with a year's option when he joined from Hull last summer, appear to have convinced Hodgson of their credentials.