West Brom transfer dossier: Baggies must avoid Saido Berahino transfer saga and focus on rebuild

West Bromwich Albion drew a line under a period of instability in the manager's dugout with the appointment of Tony Pulis in January. As many predicted, the former Stoke City and Crystal Palace manager guided the Baggies out of trouble for another season, but there is plenty of more work to be done.

West Brom are unlikely to make the same mistake Palace made with Pulis this time in 2014 when they clashed over the club's transfer policy. Building a side that can comfortably finish mid-table is what the club should realistically be looking at that. Luckily, Pulis is half decent at that.

Business so far

Pulis's shake up at the Hawthorns has already seen Youssouf Mulumbu cut ties with the club. The 28-year-old, who was so often a fixture in midfield under previous administrations, fell out of favour under the manager and leaves the club after 211 appearances.

Chris Bair and James Davidson has also been released but the club have already activated their option to extend the deals of Boaz Myhill and Claudio Yacob for next season, with reports suggesting the pair will be offered further extensions in the coming months.

Andre Wisdom has also left after his loan spell, returning to Liverpool where he has signed a new long-term deal, while Graham Dorrans leaves on a permanent basis, signing a two-year deal with Norwich City.

What they need

Having turned his nose up at the options of Sebastien Pocognoli and Cristian Gamboa, Pulis is in desperate need of full-backs on both sides of the pitch. The manager can add a centre-half to that list with 35-year-old Gareth McAuley and 32-year-old Jonas Olsson a year older. Slightly further up the pitch, there is a glaring lack of pace in wide areas with January signing Callum McManaman the only real outlet.

Who could join

Swindon Town winger Nathan Byrne has been linked with a £2m ($3m) move to the Hawthorns to address that lack of speed in wide areas. Free agent Nene, released by West Ham at the end of the season after eight substitute appearances and no goals, has also been mentioned as a possible target.

James Chester and Steven Caulker are among those names mentioned as a possible additions to the ageing Baggies' backline, along with Lyon's Henri Bedimo a possible recruit at full-back.

Who could leave

After his outburst at the turn of 2015, all eyes will be on Saido Berahino. The England Under-21 international ended the season in sublime fashion but his desire to play in the Champions League could see those calls return over the summer. The club have already stated they will not stand in the way should a top-four club come in with an acceptable offer and avoiding a lengthy transfer saga may be the best solution for both parties should such a bid come in.

Reports suggest Victor Anichebe and Stephane Sessegnon, both who are entering the final years of their contracts, could also be moved on.

What the manager has said

"You always want to get a few in for the start of pre-season but whether you get them is another matter.

"We have got a few irons in the fire and we know the kind of players we want so it would be nice if we could get one or two done early.

"But I have been doing this job for long enough to know that it doesn't always happen like that.

"It's always nice to get players in early, but as long as you get them for the start of the season that is the main thing. It's more important to get the players you want than to just sign people quickly."