Old-boy Kieran Richardson on West Brom's radar

The Baggies are keeping tabs on Richardson as Fulham consider handing free transfers to several first-team stars in a bid to cut the wage bill in their relegated squad.

Albion, who were today hoping to confirm the signing of Joleon Lescott, have not decided whether to move for Richardson, who starred in their 2005 survival while on loan from Manchester United. But they have been made aware of the 29-year-old's possible availability.

Lescott was looking set to be confirmed as the second signing of the summer today after undergoing a Hawthorns medical last night.

The 31-year-old former Wolves midfielder would follow fellow free transfer Craig Gardner into the club.

Meanwhile, new Baggies boss Alan Irvine and technical director Terry Burton have both challenged Thorne to change his mind about leaving the Baggies and win a place in their Premier League plans.

The 21-year-old had a transfer request rejected after Derby, for whom he impressed on loan last season, saw a £950,000 offer turned down. Irvine said: "I don't think we should be letting players go."

"I would like to meet all of the players and see them in pre-season training and then make decisions from there.

"I certainly wouldn't like to see us lose good, young players at this time.

"We haven't even spoken yet so it's not as if he's had chance to formulate an opinion about me or vice-versa.

"I would think any player in the squad at this moment might be thinking it's a chance for them to stake a claim for a regular place."

Burton added: "George is Albion's player, he is under contract and we think he's a good player.

"It's all in his hands. He's got a great opportunity to come back here and show everybody 'I've talked the talk, now I can walk the walk'."

Manchester City's Jack Rodwell is not thought to be a Baggies target despite comments from Irvine praising the qualities of the midfielder, who he coached at Everton.