Baggies linked to new Thomson move

Albion have been linked with a fresh move for Rangers star Kevin Thomson after manager Tony Mowbray jetted to his former captain's international debut.

The Baggies boss flew to Hampden Park to watch Scotland's goalless draw with Northern Ireland. The trip inevitably had the Scottish media buzzing as a result, with rumours of renewed interest in 23-year-old Thomson.

Mowbray is a confirmed admirer of the midfielder, who was captain at Hibernian under the current Albion boss. The Baggies tried to sign Thomson before he made his £2million switch from Easter Road to Ibrox and would be interested again if the player was available at the right price.

Yet there are several factors that might prevent a deal. Albion are hoping to confirm the record £4.9million signing of Real Mallorca midfielder Borja Valero, whose agent confirmed this week that his client had passed a medical and signed a four-year deal.

Wth talks ongoing over the signing of £2million-rated China captain Zheng Zhi from Charlton, Mowbray's squad could be left with no room for another midfielder, unless existing players are offloaded.

The signals from Ibrox for several months have suggested Rangers are hugely reluctant to part with Thomson, who is extremely highly-rated.

Yet the latest reports from Scotland suggest Smith may be forced into selling one of his prize assets, unless he can balance the books another way before the end of the transfer window.