Boss to go bargain hunting

Tony Mowbray believes Albion wont have to spend tens of millions of pounds this season to compete with the Premiership big-boys using Robert Koren and Shelton Martis as perfect examples. Slovenian international, Koren, joined the Baggies from Lillestrom 16 months ago on a Bosman transfer with Martis a £75,000 capture from Hibernian.

"You get to a level where you start looking at a player who is going to improve your team and all of a sudden you can't afford the transfer fee or the wages either," Mowbray explained.

"Don't be surprised this summer if there are a few pretty low-cost signings where we buy the quality and the talent.

"We have seen examples like Robert Koren and Shelton Martis, who have contributed this season.

"There might be players in whom we recognise and like the talent but they cost practically nothing.

"Sometimes the assumption is that we are going to go out and spend millions on every player to improve us.

"I don't believe we have always got to do that.

"There is a media-driven impression that if you don't spend £40m you've got no chance.

"Time will tell whether that is right or wrong.

"Hopefully we will spend a few quid on some players but there will also be some players brought in that we gamble on a little bit."