West Brom eyeing Schalke left-back Sead Kolasinac

The Baggies were interested in the 23-year-old versatile defender in the summer, but were put off by Schalke's demands for more than £10million.

But Kolasinac's current contract is up at the end of the season, and he's yet to sign a new one.

Schalke are keen to keep the defender but it's believed the Bosnian is eager to move to the Premier League having lost his place to Chelsea loanee Baba Rahman this season.

Liverpool have been linked with the 6ft-tall Bundesliga man, but the Express & Star understands Albion showed far more interest in the summer when their need for a left-back was desperate.

Head coach Tony Pulis is currently playing deadline day signing Allan Nyom in that position, but the former Watford man is primarily a right-back.

Chris Brunt played the majority of last season at left-back but Pulis has been using the Northern Irishman in midfield since his return from injury and the Baggies head coach is still keen to plug that gap in his defence.

However, Albion will face competition from Schalke, whose sporting director Christian Heidel recently told the German press: "Sead is a true Schalke boy whom we'd like to keep."

Kolasinac, however, is contemplating his future after losing his place in the first team.

He played 30 times for Schalke last season, but has only started four out of nine Bundesliga games so far this season, and just two of those have been at left-back.

Schalke are waiting to see if the Baggies return with an offer in January, when the German club may decide to cash in on Kolasinac.

However, sources close to the player believe the 23-year-old is far more likely to leave on a free in the summer.

Albion are also monitoring Leeds full-back Charlie Taylor, who is also out of contract at the end of the season.