West Brom face battle to land Chris Smalling

England international Smalling looks set to leave Manchester United this summer after falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

Reports have suggested the 27-year-old could be available for as little as £10million after Jose Mourninho bolstered his defence by snapping up Sweden's Victor Lindelöf.

And that would represent value for money for the Baggies who have been told they have to up an offer of £18million if they want to land Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson.

Smalling's cut-price availability has alerted a host of Premier League rivals however with Leicester, Stoke and Crystal Palace all believed to be keen.

Pulis though is eager to reunite the centre-back with his former Old Trafford team-mate Jonny Evans at the heart of the Baggies defence.

Smalling is also believed to want first team football as he bids to earn a place in England's World Cup squad – with bookmakers currently making Albion favourites to land the former Fulham man.

Pulis has made signing a centre-back a priority, having lost veteran Jonas Olsson earlier this year.

Ex-Chelsea skipper John Terry had been a target before he joined Villa.

The boss is also believed to have been keen on Kurt Zouma who instead opted to join Stoke on loan.

Despite those disappointments, Pulis confirmed on the club's pre-season tour of China last week he is closing in on the signings of two new players.

Meanwhile, Albion youngster Jack Fitzwater has completed a loan move to Forest Green Rovers.

The 19-year-old has joined the League Two outfit until January for what will be their first season in the Football League in their 128-year history.

Fitzwater was captain of Albion's Premier League 2 side last season and impressed in 33 outings.

He also played against Millwall, Luton and Gillingham in the Checkatrade Trophy.