Albion's interest in Norwich striker Peter Thorne has been played down by Canaries chief Nigel Worthington.

Worthington insists there has been no contact between the clubs and that Thorne has reported back to Carrow Road for pre-season training looking fit and well after injury problems last season.

But Albion will be encouraged by remarks made earlier by Worthington which suggest Thorne could become available for transfer.

The Argus revealed yesterday that Albion are switching their attention to the 33-year-old former Swindon, Stoke and Cardiff marksman after Preston target man Danny Dichio turned down a move to the Seagulls.

Worthington said: "There has been no contact at all. Peter is contracted to Norwich and is currently preparing for the new season with us.

"Peter had his problems with injuries last season but hopefully that is all behind him now.

"He has worked very hard on his fitness during the summer and has come back in very good shape.

"That's pleasing and now it's a case of keeping up the good work in training, doing well in pre-season games and trying to earn a place in the side."

That will not be easy for Thorne, who is halfway through a two-year contract.

He made only 13 starts and ten substitute appearances for Norwich last season and Worthington has confirmed a desire to add to an already extensive list of forwards.

He is after Luton's Steve Howard, a player in the same mould as Thorne, and Izale McLeod from MK Dons to supplement the firepower provided by Robert Earnshaw, Darren Huckerby, Jonatan Johansson, Paul McVeigh and Leon McKenzie.

Prior to his latest comments over Thorne's future, Worthington said: "If there was an offer that suited all parties then I would discuss the situation with Peter before the start of the season. Of course, it also depends on what business we can do."

Albion's hopes of a final warmup for the League One campaign at home to QPR on July 31 have been dashed.

The visit of Swindon to Withdean on July 28 remains the last friendly before the big kick-off at Rotherham on August 5.

Albion kick-off pre-season when they go to Worthing on Saturday for their annual curtain-raiser.