Pulis eyeing big Albion revamp

Tony Pulis is already plotting a major summer overhaul at Albion even though the club's Premier League future is still in the balance.

Pulis was returning to Crystal Palace today with his Baggies side still needing points to secure their top-flight status.

But the Welshman insists he already has a clear plan for the future. Pulis has identified several potential transfer targets should the Baggies avoid the drop.

"I know what's needed," he said. "I know what's necessary. I knew that after a couple of weeks here.

"The chairman (Jeremy Peace) has been smashing. He's been very supportive and he knows the score.

"We have to get through the next six games and we will sit down then and talk. But there needs to be changes, yes. The club has witnessed this (relegation battle) too many times. You get through this season and you change that situation so it doesn't happen again."

Albion face a busy summer of contract negotiations with James Morrison, Stephane Sessegnon, Victor Anichebe, Youssouf Mulumbu, Joleon Lescott, Jonas Olsson and Jason Davidson all due to enter the final year of their current deals.

The club must also decide whether to take up one-year options on goalkeeper Boaz Myhill and midfielder Claudio Yacob while they will be keen to extend the contract of star striker Saido Berahino, who has two years remaining on his deal.

Meanwhile, Pulis will want to revamp the defence after effectively freezing full-backs Andre Wisdom, Cristian Gamboa, Davidson and Sebastien Pocognoli out of his starting line-up.

And the Welshman has defended stand-in right-back Craig Dawson after he was criticised in some quarters in the wake of three successive Premier League defeats which have seen the Baggies concede 10 goals.

"He was absolutely outstanding the other week when we were winning," said Pulis.

"Daws has been brilliant for us. You will get criticism when you lose games but Daws has been smashing for us.

"We are playing a left-back who's a left winger, so a lot of people tell me, in Chris Brunt but he's done brilliantly at left-back for me.

"Goals change games and we have got caught making basic mistakes.

"If someone smacks one from 30 yards into the top corner you can't do anything about that.

"We have been helping and giving people a lift. We need to stop that."