Tony Pulis: Patience is key in squad rebuild

Boss Tony Pulis has urged West Brom supporters to be patient as he sets about rebuilding his squad for next season.

The Hawthorns head coach was back on the transfer trail today after ending his week-long charity row from London to Paris.

And he was facing the news that top defensive target Neil Taylor is off the Baggies' agenda after signing a new long-term contract at Swansea.

Now Pulis admits he might be forced to play a waiting game as he hunts his top targets.

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

"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.

[comments_cta header="What do you think?" text="What areas do Albion need to strengthen?" button="Log in and start commenting"]

"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."

Pulis is on the lookout for full-backs after freezing out Cristian Gamboa and Sebastien Pocognoli, who signed last summer.

He will attempt to offload the pair but Taylor, who was his top left-back target in January and was expected to be a priority again this summer, has opted to stay with the Swans.

The Wales international looked set to leave Garry Monk's side but has had a change of heart and signed a four-year deal.

[related_posts title="More on Tony Pulis "]

That follows suggestions from Tyneside at the weekend that Newcastle could offer another Baggies target, winger Sammy Ameobi, a new contract.

Pulis refused to be drawn on specific targets, the Baggies have been linked with a string of targets from abroad, including Lyon left back Henri Bedimo and Ghana defender David Addy, who has been playing in Belgium for Waasland-Beveren.