The impasse threatening to strangle Jason Koumas' career shows now signs of reaching a solution as the midfielder once more refused to turn up for training on a day when West Bromwich Albion confirmed they have rejected a £2 million bid for the recalcitrant midfielder.

Koumas had already been fined by Bryan Robson when he failed to return for pre-season last week but compounded the offence by staying away from summit talks with the manager.

He will not now be paid until he reappears at The Hawthorns and his escape route - a move to Cardiff City - was once more blocked as Albion rejected an incentive-laden offer from the Welsh club.

Koumas spent most of last season on loan to the Championship side and is known to want a permanent deal but the most recent package was dependent on them winning promotion and staying in the top flight for two years. It was greeted with some irritation by the West Brom hierarchy and so Koumas stays.

As does Curtis Davies, for the time being at least, after Robson rejected an £8.5 million bid from cash-rich Portsmouth.

However, whether Albion can act with such impunity should Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger act on his well-publicised admiration for the centre-back, remains to be seen.

Wenger learned Switzerland international Philippe Senderos will be out for three months yesterday with a dislocated shoulder, and is now short of cover in central defence. While Wenger baulks at the £12 million price tag, Davies' head might just be turned by the prospect of playing Champions League football.