Stephen Ward is back on Albion's radar.

The former loan signing is on the list of left-back targets as boss Chris Hughton attempts to fill the problem position in the defence.

Ward was on the verge of rejoining Albion last summer following a successful season on loan from Wolves when Burnley hijacked the deal at the eleventh hour.

Hughton's predecessor Sami Hyypia then borrowed 25-year-old Joe Bennett from Aston Villa.

Hughton would ideally like a more experienced player at left-back.

Republic of Ireland international Ward, 29, with nearly 300 appearances under his belt, fits the criteria.

His future prospects with relegated Burnley are unclear after joining them on a three-year contract.

Ward played second fiddle to Ben Mee as Sean Dyche's side fought in vain for survival.

Virtually ever-present for Albion when they reached the Championship play-offs under Oscar Garcia in 2013-14, Ward was restricted to nine Premier League appearances for the Lancastrians after fracturing an ankle in December and suffering a further problem with the injury.

Meanwhile, Albion will have to wait to consolidate their interest in Iran winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh. He is currently on duty with the national squad and Hughton is not back from holiday until Monday.

The Argus revealed earlier this month that a bid in the region of £1.4 million by Albion for Jahanbakhsh has been accepted by his Dutch employers NEC Nijmegen.