West Brom in the hunt for Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs
Albion are leading the race for Kieran Gibbs’s signature – although their search for a central midfielder has been dealt a couple of blows.
The Baggies are interested in the Arsenal left-back along with Watford, but are currently in pole position to land the 27-year-old after holding talks with the Gunners.
However, the clubs are yet to agree a fee because Arsenal want a deal totalling £14million with add-ons and the Baggies are currently unwilling to meet that valuation.
Pulis is more concerned with directing funds to the spine of his team, and is looking for a midfield replacement for departed skipper Darren Fletcher.
He’s interested in former Villa star Fabian Delph, who hasn’t travelled to America with Manchester City for their pre-season tour.
But Stoke, who lured Fletcher away from The Hawthorns, are reportedly closing in on a £10m deal for the 27-year-old.
Meanwhile, Ronald Koeman has rebuffed Albion’s advances for Everton’s Gareth Barry.
Pulis started Chris Brunt in central midfield against Leicester City this week, but would prefer to use him on the flank.
The Northern Irishman is enjoying playing football with his team-mates in pre-season this year after last summer’s cruel knee injury ruled him out of Euro 2016 and all games up until October.
"Obviously this time last year it was a bit different for me, I wasn't involved really in any of the football, I was just cycling and starting my own running," said Brunt.
"I was doing a lot of stuff on my own so it's nice to be involved with the squad and doing everything that everyone else has been doing.
"That was the first time in my career that I had ever really experienced an injury like that, so it's obviously something different and not one you'd want to experience again but I feel better now for coming through the back of it.
"I enjoyed last season when I got back out on the pitch and hopefully I can hit the ground running this year after a full pre-season."