Albion boss Peter Taylor has opened talks with his predecessor in a bid to make Junior Lewis part of his First Division squad next season.

Taylor has been in touch with Leicester chief Micky Adams to confirm his interest in making the lanky midfielder's loan move permanent.

A deal could hinge on the outcome of further discussions between Taylor and chairman Dick Knight tomorrow on the size of the playing budget. "People know that I am a fan of Junior's," Taylor said.

"Once I see Dick and have agreed a budget then it is a case of going after him.

"I have spoken to Micky. He knows I like him, so it's just a case of whether we can afford him."

Adams said: "Junior's just had a small hernia operation. I've had a brief conversation with Peter and I am aware of his interest. The rest is down to him."

Lewis arrived on loan for the last ten weeks of the season. He scored on his home debut against Reading and twice more against Huddersfield and Bristol City in a run of one defeat in 14 games as Albion lifted the division two title.

The 28-year-old Londoner had surgery last Wednesday, which sidelined him from Saturday's closing 1-0 victory at Port Vale.

Leicester were relegated to the First Division in his absence and Adams took over from Dave Bassett.

Lewis, who also played under Taylor for Dover, Gillingham and Leicester, said: "It was good to come here and win the League and get a medal as well.

"I'm delighted for the club and the boys. They are all going to enjoy the summer now.

"I've still got two years left on my contract at Leicester, so I have got to go back and take it from there.

"Football is a funny game. When I came here the two clubs seemed a million miles apart."

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