Albion's Marek Cech eyed by Rennes

Albion left-back Marek Cech could be offered an escape route from the Hawthorns by French club Rennes.

Albion left-back Marek Cech could be offered an escape route from the Hawthorns by French club Rennes.

The Slovakia international has emerged as a possible target for the French top-flight side as they look to fill their left-back berth.

The Baggies took up their option to extend Cech's contract, meaning the 28-year-old is tied to the club for another year.

But Cech is keen to leave unless he is assured of first-team football and Rennes have added him to their tlist of summer targets.

While Albion are content to keep Cech as a deputy for first-choice left-back Nicky Shorey, they would consider selling him at the right price.

The Baggies continued their own search for reinforcements today, as transfer target Zoltan Gera adopted a cagey stance on the prospects of a return to the Hawthorns.

The former Albion midfielder, who is in talks about a free transfer return after his contract at Fulham ended, refused to discuss his future but retains a fondness for the club.

He said: "I don't want to talk about my future as yet as there is a lot to sort out. There is nothing more I can say about that at the moment.

"But it is correct to say I enjoyed my time at West Brom. I still love the club."

However, the Baggies remain strong favourites to sign the 32-year-old for a second time, while the battle for Danny Graham's signature remained wide open.

Last year's Championship leading scorer has opened talks with Swansea after they had a £3.5million bid accepted by Watford, but several other clubs remain keen on the 25-year-old.

[24link]