West Brom transfer dossier: Saido Berahino big-money exit could help Tony Pulis overhaul

Tony Pulis kept West Bromwich Albion out of trouble in the 2015-16 campaign, finishing the season in 14th - just one place lower than the previous year, when the former Stoke City and Crystal Palace gaffer took over at the club in the middle of the season.

The slight regression can be blamed on the Baggies failing to secure a single victory in their last nine games of the season, taking their foot off the gas as soon as they had secured safety. However that erratic end to the season also highlights a lack of ambition, showing no desire to challenge for a Europa League spot. Competition in the Premier League is expected to be even tougher next season due to the new TV rights deal, and West Brom cannot afford to rest on their laurels in the coming transfer window. However, the Saido Berahino saga is set to once again take centre stage.

Business so far

Stephane Sessegnon and Victor Anichebe are the first two victims of a clear-out, with the club announcing the duo's departure following the end of their contracts at The Hawthorns. West Brom are yet to confirm if they will buy Sandro on a permanent deal, after taking the player on loan from QPR with an optional purchase clause in the second part of last season. The Baggies are yet to make any signings.

What they need

Yet again, Pulis's transfer plans will depend on Berahino. Last season the club rejected Tottenham Hotspur's repeated attempts to lure the 22-year-old to White Hart Lane as Pulis considered him a key figure in his squad, having netted 20 goals in 2014-15.

However, the one-time England international did nothing to vindicate that decision, scoring just nine times this term. It now seems that the time is right for him to move on and fund other transfer deals. If he does finally go, reinvesting the money wisely will be crucial to WBA's season.

West Brom have an urgent need to bolster their attack regardless, with replacements needed for Sessegnon on the right and Anichebe in the centre.

A new midfield leader is another must, with Sandro and James Morrison both looking surplus to requirements.

Who could join

West Ham United duo Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho are said to be on Pulis's shopping list for forward options. However, they will need to fight off Sunderland for the signature of the Senegal international.

The Baggies have also been linked with QPR winger Matt Phillips, who they tried to secure last summer.

Who could leave

Berahino is expected follow in the footsteps of Sessegnon and Anichebe and become the third departure of the summer. His sale could leave up to £20m in the club's coffers, with The Telegraph recently reporting Stoke City are ready to make him their new record signing. Crystal Palace and Tottenham are also reportedly monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, James Morrison has been heavily linked with a return to Middlesbrough while Rickie Lambert and James Chester could also be shown the exit door after the duo failed to make the impact expected during their debut campaign at the Baggies. Sebastien Pocognoli, Callum McManaman and Cristian Gamboa also face an uncertain future at The Hawthorns.

What the manager said

Pulis has predicted a busy summer at the Baggies with a number of players from the current squad expected to leave.

"There's a lot of players who haven't featured this year that want to play football, that'll dictate a big part of it with Jeremy [Peace, the chairman]. I'm not complaining, I know where I stand and that's very important to him. You have to pull and push together as a manager/coach, work that out and get it done. If there's room, Jeremy will spend the money, if there's no room then we'll have to get on with what we've got."

Speaking about the potential departure of Berahino, he admitted: "I've told Saido to come back for pre-season as fit as anybody to make sure, whether he stays, he plays at the level that everyone knows he can play at. If not, and he leaves, then he is in good health for another club.

"The most important thing is we get Saido prepared and let it play out.

"As long as he is playing and focussed then if someone comes along and pays the money that Jeremy accepts then fine."