Schalke leave West Brom frustrated in hunt for left-back

Head coach Tony Pulis was interested in 23-year-old Sead Kolasinac, a versatile 6ft defender who can also play centre-back, left-wing and defensive midfield.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international only had one year left on his contract and his agent was in talks with the club about a possible £5million transfer to the Baggies.

But Schalke have told the Baggies they don't want to sell Kolasinac, who made 30 appearances for them last summer.

Having gobbled up £37m from selling Leroy Sane to Manchester City, the German club have decided they do not need the money.

It leaves Albion still desperately trying to snare a left-back in this transfer window.

The Baggies have already had a £9m bid for primary target Jeffrey Schlupp rejected by Premier League champions Leicester City.

They moved on to Charlie Taylor of Leeds United, who handed in a transfer request in an attempt to move away from Elland Road.

However, that transfer request was officially rejected by Leeds manager Garry Monk and unpredictable president Massimo Cellino.

Chris Brunt is still recovering from the serious knee injury that ruled him out of Euro 2016 and may not return to the side until the start of October.

Pulis has tried a number of players at left-back in pre-season, including Sebastien Pocognoli, teenage midfielder Sam Field, centre-back Jonny Evans, winger James McClean, and 16-year-old right-back Kane Wilson.

Pocognoli is the only recognised left-back at the club but Pulis does not favour the Belgian and Evans is expected to start in the position against Crystal Palace in the Premier League opener on Saturday.

Middlesbrough are the latest club to be linked with out-of-favour defender James Chester.

Villa have also approached the Baggies about the possibility of buying the 27-year-old, who made 12 Premier League appearances last season.