Monday 18 July 2016 09:43, UK
We take a look at the ways in which West Brom need to strengthen in the summer transfer window.
What are the key areas for improvement? Who could fill the gaps?
We examine the situation with the help of manager quotes and expert pundit views...
Matt Phillips (QPR, £5.5m)
Stephane Sessegnon (released), Victor Anichebe (released), Anders Lindegaard (Preston, free)
A credible 14th place finish last term ensured Baggies fans will be treated to a seventh successive season in the Premier League. They are generally solid in defence, so the Midlands outfit may choose to focus their efforts on adding to their forward line, after Solomon Rondon finished as the club's top scorer last season with just nine goals.
The Baggies have already signed winger Matt Phillips from QPR, but Saido Berahino's rejection of a new contract could spell the end of his time with Tony Pulis' side, which would heighten the need for reinforcements up front.
West Brom are among the Premier League clubs said to be interested in West Ham's want-away striker Diafra Sakho, who has handed in a transfer request at Upton Park. Rumours have also suggested that the club could be interested in Huddesfield's Phillip Billing.
Pulis has played his cards close to his chest when it comes to discussing transfer targets, though reports suggest he will have the final say on all player purchases. It's clear that the Welshman is looking forward to the upcoming campaign though - undoubtedly hoping to improve upon last year's mid-table finish.
He said: "It's always exciting going into a new season…this is the Premier League and every game is as tough as the one before and the one after. Everything we do in pre-season will be geared to making sure we are as ready as we can be for that first match."
"First and foremost, Tony Pulis will want his defence to be strong and a lot could depend on what happens with Saido Berahino. There's been talk of him signing a new contract and talk of him leaving so I think that needs to be sorted out.
"Defensively, they look strong and organised. And that's the same in the midfield area as well. I'm sure they will want another centre-forward if Berahino does go."
