West Bromwich Albion were today poised to sign Wolves trialist Jerome Thomas from under the noses of their Black Country rivals.

And Wolves have lost both their recent trialists after saying goodbye to Bobo Balde.

Former Charlton wide-man Thomas was due for a medical today after agreeing terms to join the Baggies.

The 6ft left-winger, 26, will provide head coach Roberto Di Matteo with the pace out wide that he feels his squad is lacking.

But the move came as something of a surprise to Wolves, who had been running the rule over the former Arsenal trainee during an extended pre-season trial.

Molineux boss Mick McCarthy had said he wanted to look at Thomas in action once he recovered from the hamstring injury sustained playing for Wolves at MK Dons in a friendly on July 28, his only appearance in gold and black.

But Albion have now stepped in and Thomas has decided to accept their contract offer instead of gambling on earning a deal across the Black Country.

If he ties up the loose ends of the move, the out-of-contract Thomas will become Di Matteo’s fifth permanent signing since succeeding Tony Mowbray.

Di Matteo has been concerned by a lack of width in his side, especially with the left-footed Chris Brunt now operating wide on the right.

Thomas spent last season at Portsmouth but missed most of the campaign due to a stress fracture in his back and was not offered a new deal by Pompey boss Paul Hart.

He established himself as a Championship player at Charlton, for whom he played more than 100 times in four years at The Valley.

Wolves could be back in the market for another centre-back after they decided not to pursue their interest in Balde, 33, who failed to prove his fitness.

By TIM NASH