Albion transfer target Stephen Ward has returned to pre-season training today with parent club Wolves amid suggestions financial terms could scupper his return to the Amex.

New Seagulls boss Sami Hyypia is believed to be keen to land the Irish international left-back on a permanent basis after he impressed on loan last season under Oscar Garcia.

But Ward's wages and the fee demanded by Wolves for the 28-year-old are hurdles in completing a deal.

Albion are reportedly unwilling to match his £13,000-a-week salary at Molineux, £3,000 a week more than they paid in last season's loan agreement with Wolves.

The League One champions are also expected to ask for a modest six-figure fee for long-serving Ward, who still has a year left on his contract.