West Bromwich Albion Transfer Dossier: Squad Overhaul Must Accompany Swift Managerial Decision

After parting ways with Pepe Mel just 17 games into the Spaniard's reign, West Bromwich Albion must get their house in order before embarking on the task of rebuilding a side equipped for Premier League survival.

Despite losing four of their final five games of the season the Baggies retained their top flight status but their brush with relegation will demand a response this summer. After the still-bewildering dismissal of Steve Clark and the misfit appointment of Mel, stability will be a prerequisite this summer.

Business so far

The club have already signed their first player of the summer in Craig Gardner after the midfielder's contract at Sunderland expired. The 27-year-old has signed a three year deal with the Baggies. Going the other was Billy Jones, who has signed a four year contract with the Black Cats after rejecting the club's offer of a new three year deal, while Liam Ridgewell, Zoltan Gera, Diego Lugano, Scott Allan and Steven Reid are among those released. Scott Sinclair's fruitless loan spell at the club has also ended.

In terms of who will be leading the club, West Brom have been turned away by Carlo Ancelotti's right hand man at Real Madrid in Paul Clement. The Englishman has won major honours at Chelsea, Paris Saint Germain and Real but has put his own managerial aspirations on hold for the time being. Former Brighton boss Oscar Garcia and Neil Lennon are other names in the frame.

What they need

The departure of three defenders suggests a complete overhaul of West Brom's full back options will be required with cover for Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley at centre half also needed. Equally as pertinent this summer will be the arrival of a consistent goal threat. The void left in Shane Long's departure still looms large and with Victor Anichebe and Saido Berahino the club's only options in that department following the end of Matej Vydra, Morgan Amalfitano and Thievy Bifouma's loan spells, help is needed.

Who could join

One man persistently linked with the role of filling that void up front at the Hawthorns is Monaco striker Emmanuel Riviere, but it would appear Stoke City will beat them to the £8m Frenchman's signature. The Baggies have tentatively been linked with Fabio Quagliarella amid his struggles for first team football at Juventus but interest from sides offering European football could place West Brom far down on his list. Fraizer Campbell of relegated Cardiff City could be the consistent, and more importantly attainable, goal threat the club desire.

Who could leave

Given the exodus the club has undergone in recent weeks, West Brom cannot afford to do away with any members of their squad until sufficient names are bought in. Derby County remain keen to secure a permanent deal for 21-year-old midfielder George Thorne after his impressive loan spell at Pride Park.

What the manager/chairman has said

Club chairman Jeremy Peace said: "Although we have signed several talented players over the past few years, we have always sought to improve our recruitment methodology and last season has underlined the strides we still need to make.

"We are also endeavouring to put more processes in place that de-risk the signing of new players.

"We continue to run the club on a proven business model and that will not change.

"But we face another big summer. Decisions that are made over the next few months will have a huge impact on our fortunes next season.

"I recognise the frustration many of our supporters have been feeling this season. I would like to thank them personally for the way they rallied behind the team, especially in the closing weeks of the season, which proved pivotal in getting the club over the line."