Albion and Stoke duel for Marc Wilson

Albion are today facing strong competition for transfer target Marc Wilson after Premier League rivals Stoke joined the race.

Stoke are the latest club to express an interest in the Portsmouth captain, who now looks certain to leave Fratton Park before next Tuesday's transfer deadline.

The 23-year-old is near the top of the Baggies' transfer wish-list, as they look to add competition in defensive midfield roles for the remainder of the campaign.

But they now face a fight to land the Irishman with both Stoke - who are reportedly ready to offer striker Dave Kitson as bait to complete a deal - and West Ham both strongly rumoured to be interested.

Reports this morning claiming the Potters had completed a deal are believed to have been premature, but the extra spending power of the Potteries club could well propel them to the head of the queue.

The Baggies have been linked to a host of defensive midfielders throughout the summer and they made an offer for Ivory Coast international Cheick Tiote, who has since joined Newcastle in a £3million deal.

Reports yesterday of interest in Ghana international Derek Boateng are wide of the mark, while a move for Senegal star Guirane N'Daw has also been ruled out.

Transfer speculation continued to swirl around the Hawthorns today with the Baggies also linked outlandishly in the French press with a move for World Cup winner David Trezeguet, of Juventus.

The current squad today stepped up their preparations for Sunday's trip to Liverpool with Nicky Shorey still on stand-by to replace Marek Cech at left-back, if the Slovakia international fails to shake off an ankle injury.

And Shorey is calling for more of the character the team showed in beating Sunderland on Saturday.

He said: "The lads performed really well and we got the win we deserved. We were the better team.

"It was a great show of character."

Albion defender Leon Barnett has also completed a move to Championship club Norwich on a five-month loan.