West Brom head coach Tony Pulis set for transfer talks in China

By Andrew Dickson

West Brom head coach Tony Pulis has given his support to FA plans to introduce retrospective bans for players found guilty of diving

Tony Pulis will spend the first day of the close season travelling to China for talks about West Brom's summer transfer dealings.

The Hawthorns' head coach will see his side bring their campaign to an end against Swansea on Sunday as they look to arrest a run of eight games without a win.

He will then head to Asia to determine exactly what budget he has to work with and discuss what targets he might be able to pursue.

Pulis said: "There's lots of agents throwing lots of players out there and enjoying a bit of publicity from throwing the players at different clubs.

"We've got bucketfuls of suggestions of players from agents we should be signing and who we shouldn't be signing and we'll trawl through it.

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Image: West Brom have gone eight games without a win and have faded after a strong first half of the season

"We spend a lot of money on the recruitment side and we've got four or five people working non-stop, analysing players and leagues.

"I'm going to China on Monday and having talks with the Chinese owners. That's the most important thing, to find out what we've got, what their views are, what we think will be available and costs.

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"It will be a good couple of days. Whether we can do the deals, if they're right for us, right for the players.

"The most important thing now is to find out what we've got to spend and the ambition to take the club forward."

Image: West Brom finish their campaign this weekend against Paul Clement's Swansea side

Pulis, meanwhile, has welcomed the Football Association's announcement it will retrospectively punish players found to be guilty of simulation from next season.

Thursday's news received a lukewarm reception from some Premier League personalities but Pulis believes it had to be done.

He added: "I'm pleased. I think it's the way forward. I don't think there's any place for it in the game.

"The FA doing that is a positive step and it helps the referees as well. We'll soon lose all of that from the game.

Image: Pulis has welcomed the FA's decision to introduce retrospective punishment for diving from next season

"I'd fine the players as well and give the money to charity as well but it's a step and it's a good step forward.

"I think every manager will say it has happened to them, they've been involved where players have fallen over.

"But it's something we want to take out of the game and I think it's important that we do. This will make the product of the Premier League even better."

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