Jason Koumas is seen as central to Cardiff's ambitions

Cardiff offered �1m, plus another �1m in add-ons, for the 26-year-old Wales midfield man.

The extra �1m was dependent on Cardiff winning promotion and spending two successive seasons in the top-flight.

Albion chairman Jeremy Peace said: "Cardiff's cash offer falls well below our valuation of Jason and has been immediately rejected."

Peace said: "Cardiff have yet to meet our asking price and unless they do Jason won't be joining them.

"We are also not interested in loaning Jason back to Cardiff.

"Cardiff have known what offer we would accept for Jason for a year.

"This was made crystal clear when Jason joined them on loan last summer and reconfirmed during talks last month."

West Brom also revealed they are taking further disciplinary action against Koumas after he again failed to attend pre-season training on Monday.

The Wales international fell out with manager Bryan Robson and the rift is understood to have deepened over the summer.

Cardiff enjoyed a much better relationship with the midfielder, who scored 13 goals last season and proved the creative lynchpin of the team.

Koumas won the adulation of Cardiff fans and was also included in the Championship team of the season.

The Bluebirds made Koumas, who has two years left to run on his contract, their number one transfer target.

Cardiff have money available to finance the deal after the �3m (initial fee) sale of Cameron Jerome to Birmingham.

But money remains tight at Ninian Park, with the wage bill still higher than manager Dave Jones would like.