Fulham want Chris Baird to make an emotional return to Craven Cottage.

The former White was let go at the end of season 2012-13, but is now needed to make sure the club stay in the Championship, and then play an integral role in a late charge for the play-offs.

Open arms: Baird as a former White

Manager Kit Symons needs competition for rookie right-back Jack Grimmer, while alternate choice Elsad Zverotic has been consigned largely to the subs bench in the last year of his contract.

Baird trained for a month with neighbours QPR after he left Fulham, but snubbed Hoops for a short-term with Reading.

Let go by the Royals in January last year, the 32-year-old was then at Burnley before WBA snapped him up on a one-year-deal.

Until last weekend, the Northern Ireland international played only a marginal role at The Hawthorns, with just seven Premier League appearances to his name.

Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy battles for the ball with Chelsea's Robert Huth

But a recall by new Albion boss Tony Pulis on Monday against Everton might have pulled the plug at the 11th hour on any reunion with Whites fans .

Fulham are also keeping fingers crossed Robert Huth decides to return to west London – despite interest in the ex-Chelsea centre half from ironically WBA.

The Whites face a challenge from Championship rivals Watford, Norwich and Reading for the Stoke player, who has been told by former Fulham and QPR boss Mark Hughes he is surplus to requirements at The Britannia.