West Brom: George Thorne not for sale
Albion will tell Derby that George Thorne is not for sale despite the wantaway midfielder's astonishing weekend outburst over his future.
Thorne risked the wrath of the Baggies and their fans by claiming his heart is no longer at The Hawthorns and insisted he would not return to Albion to sit on the bench.
Derby are preparing a bid for Thorne after his successful loan spell helped Steve McClaren's men reach the Championship play-off final last season.
But the Baggies have decided to play hardball in the potential summer wrangle and will tell Rams officials they are unwilling to sell the 21-year-old, who emerged from the academy at his parent club.
Thorne is due to return to Albion when the squad report for pre-season training early next month but he told a Sunday newspaper: "I felt like a squad player at West Brom and most times not even that.
"I've never really had a sustained spell or a chance and enough's enough.
"On my mind now is playing football and Derby is a very good option for me.
"Anyone who knows me will tell you that, compared to how I have been, I'm much happier now. I felt at home at Derby, I felt wanted at Derby, which I certainly didn't at West Brom.
"West Brom are aware of my feelings towards the club, my heart is no longer there, too much has happened.
"My family supported me when the club did not help me to progress, maybe that's how it is there, I don't know.
"I've had plenty of opportunities just to get out and get play football and at times West Brom have made it really complicated. All I wanted to do was play football."
Albion, who hope to progress their hunt for a new head coach this week, are unimpressed by the interview but are determined not to cave in easily to Thorne and Derby's wish for a permanent transfer.