West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis has admitted that the team is not ready for the new Premier League season because of the need for new players.

Jeremy Peace sold his 88% stake in the Baggies to Chinese businessman Guochuan Lai at the start of August, but because of the uncertainty surrounding the club beforehand, the only signing made so far in pre-season is Queens Park Rangers winger Matt Phillips.

Pulis told reporters at a press conference on Friday: "The last 22 months at the club has been difficult because of the situation. It's not been hidden that Jeremy wanted to sell the club. If there's a disappointment then it's been that it has come so late.

"We've only got two weeks to try and get players in which we desperately need. Irrespective of me, I'm more concerned with getting them in quickly. We've done hardly any business at all. I think personally we need five players in and that will be a tough task."

West Brom begin their 2016-17 Premier League season away at Crystal Palace on Saturday.