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West Brom players eager for new signings to bolster the squad

Albion’s players are desperate for new signings to boost their numbers ahead of the coming season.

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Tony Pulis

Tony Pulis currently has 15 senior outfield players he is willing to use, and is eager to add ‘three or four’ more signings this summer.

But Albion’s current crop – who are going to be treated to a meal in Hong Kong by Chinese owner Guochuan Lai on Sunday night before they fly back to England – are also keen for additions.

Despite the fact new signings may challenge the first XI for places, the existing squad is looking for more help next season.

“You’re always looking for better players, you’re always looking for improvement,” said Pulis. “I think the team itself is waiting for better players to come in.

“We’ve got experienced players who have played for their countries, they want to see improvement year after year after year."

The players have helped Jay Rodriguez and Ahmed Hegazi settle into the group, and the Egyptian defender’s first week at the club has encouraged Pulis.

“I thought he did well the other night and he’s fitting in well,” he said. “He’s got good English which is important and he will find that it is an easy group to fit into.

“You try to build a family at the club so when they players leave their homes and come to work they are happy to be here. They are good people in our dressing and very easy to mix in with."

Although Pulis is still looking to off-load Callum McManaman, he does not wish to lose any more players this summer after Darren Fletcher left for Stoke City.

Uncertainty clouds the future of Nacer Chadli after a bust-up with Pulis before Austria, but the head coach insists the Belgian will not be sold this summer.

“Chadli’s a West Brom player,” he said. “He’s been a West Brom player for a year. Let’s hope he’s a West Brom player for a couple more years.

“We have no reason to get rid of Chadli, we don’t need the money, and he’s a good player. We want to keep our good players.”

Meanwhile, Albion have not made a £23.3million bid for central midfielder Adrien Silva, as suggested in the Portuguese press.

Silva’s agents are hoping to speak to Pulis next week to offer a potential deal, but there’s no suggestion the head coach is keen to move on the Sporting Lisbon skipper.

Kurt Zouma has completed his season-long loan to Stoke. Albion baulked at the £8million loan fee Chelsea were demanding for his services and signed Hegazi on loan for £875,000 instead.