Baggies ready for switch to QPR's Matty Phillips

Albion are ready to focus their attentions on QPR winger Matty Phillips after cooling their interest in Bakary Sako because of the Wolves man's wage demands.

The Baggies plan to step up their interest in Phillips over the next few weeks with the club' looking increasingly likely to be relegated from the Premier League.

But Hawthorns officials expect fierce competition for Phillips' signature from a host of top-flight rivals if the 24-year-old is allowed to leave Loftus Road.

The Express & Star understands Phillips has moved above Sako on the Baggies' summer transfer hit-list after the out-of-contact Wolves man shocked Albion with his wage demands, although they have not ruled out further talks if Sako lowers his sights.

Boss Tony Pulis wants at least one more wideman in time for next season, having only landed Callum McManaman in January despite enquiring about a host of other widemen – including Phillips.

Nottingham Forest's Michail Antonio was another player who Albion considered in January and might return for in the summer.

Pulis will also look to add several new full-backs, with Swansea left-back Neil Taylor still high on his list.

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He wants to add extra firepower in attack and might consider a free-transfer move for West Ham's Carlton Cole, whose proposed move to The Hawthorns on the final day of the January transfer window broke down at the 11th hour.

Meanwhile, Hawthorns sources have played down online reports linking Albion with a summer move for Wolves striker Benik Afobe.

While Sako remains a serious target, sources at The Hawthorns claim they have no plans currently to pursue Afobe. But Albion are likely to revamp their forward line in the summer.

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