Albion and Villa rivals for Spurs winger

The 24-year-old is on the radar of Remi Garde's Villa, but the Baggies are understood to be keeping tabs on him as well.

Albion are keen to add a winger after efforts to capture former Nottingham Forest wide man Michail Antonio – who joined West Ham – and Queens Park Rangers' Matt Phillips stalled in the summer.

Spurs are likely to want around £15million for the England midfielder, who has 10 caps, but could alternatively send him out on loan.

Townsend's contract at White Hart Lane expires in 2017, but the wide man has fallen out of favour under boss Mauricio Pochettino, putting his hopes of making the plane for Euro 2016 in jeopardy.

Boss Tony Pulis and Garde would probably also have to fend off the likes of Newcastle, Southampton, Bournemouth and Watford to secure the signature of the former Blues loanee.

Albion are understood to be happy with the size of their squad so will need to free up funds and wages, before bringing in any new additions when the transfer window opens on January 1.

Tottenham could settle on a deal that sees Townsend loaned out with a fee, leading to a potential permanent move.

Former Fulham player Kerim Frei – who now plies his trade at Turkish club Besiktas – could be an alternative January target, should Albion also fail in a renewed bid for Phillips.

In defence, Albion have been linked with a swoop for Spurs centre-back Federico Fazio, who was close to joining in August before a disagreement over personal terms caused the move to collapse.

The 28-year-old Argentine has only made one appearance this season.

Meanwhile, it's understood there are no plans for the Baggies to raid rock-bottom rivals Villa for Gabriel Agbonlahor after rumours sent social media into uproar yesterday.