West Brom are preparing for life back in the Championship and there are some big decisions facing whoever will be the new man in charge.

As is often the case with relegated clubs, Albion face a battle to keep hold of players who starred in the Premier League last season, with Sam Johnstone and Matheus Pereira the obvious two who could depart.

Even if they bring in decent funds, which should happen, the ownership situation at The Hawthorns means that the new boss is unlikely to be backed significantly in the market.

Therefore, the recruitment team will have to search for bargains and there are a lot of free agents that could appeal. Here we look at NINE players who are out of contract in the summer that the Baggies should consider...

This may not be a popular one considering Hennessey used to play for Wolves, but if Johnstone does depart then Albion could do with an experienced keeper if they aren't convinced Alex Palmer is ready.

The Welsh international has better pedigree than David Button and should still be a very capable keeper in the Championship. Bringing him on a free would allow more funds to be used elsewhere, whilst the team would have a reliable stopper as they push for promotion.

He is available, has high level experience and wouldn't take time to adapt to the club.

Kieran Gibbs' move to Inter Miami has left Albion short at left-back behind Conor Townsend, who enhanced his reputation after a good season in the Premier League.

Whilst he will start as first-choice, cover is required and Ribeiro would be an exciting signing. He generally impressed for Nottingham Forest over the years, but with the Reds well-stocked in that position, he was allowed to leave.

A solid performer and willing to support in attack thanks to his decent left-foot, the former Benfica man is another that should be able to hit the ground running if he moved to the west Midlands.

Bringing in a few central midfield players has to be a high priority for the season, as the reality is that Okay Yokuslu won't return after his excellent loan spell.

Having the Turkish international proved Albion had been lacking a combative, aggressive midfielder who would win the ball back effectively and keep it simple in possession. So, Besic should be a target. The Everton man has those qualities and could be an important player for a new-look Baggies side in the Championship.

After a tough few years at Goodison Park, where he barely had a look-in, Besic will also be desperate to prove himself once again.

This won't be an easy one to sort as most of the top Championship clubs will be desperate to sign Mowatt after his exceptions season with Barnsley, but Albion will be an attractive option for the player.

As mentioned, the fans know the importance of improving the midfield this summer and Mowatt would do that. Boasting an excellent left-foot, he would contribute goals and assists, as well as being able to cope physically. Mowatt would go straight into the Baggies XI if he made the move and this is one the recruitment team should be desperate to finalise as it would be a real coup going into the new season.

The Irish international has had terrible luck with injuries over the years, but he is only 29-years-old and could still have a lot to offer, especially in the second tier.

Firstly, a major positive is his versatility, as Brady can cover a variety of positions and he is comfortable in the ball, which is important considering Albion will expect to dominate possession most weeks. When you add in the fact he has good experience, this seems like a smart signing for the club.

Realistically, Brady knows he will have to drop a division to get the regular football he will want, so this could be a good fit.

Replacing Pereira is going to be an extremely difficult task for the Baggies, as the Brazilian has been outstanding for the past two years since joining from Sporting CP.

However, Halilovic could be the man to do that. Everyone has known about the talent of the Croatian for some time, as you don't play for the national team or join Barcelona and AC Milan if you don't have ability.

But, Halilovic hasn't really shown consistency in his career, although he improved a lot at Birmingham towards the end of the campaign. Lee Bowyer is a huge fan and wants to keep the playmaker but he may be better suited to Albion, who are expected to play with a more stylish approach, which could get the best out of Halilovic who excels technically.

The attacker was a crucial reason for Morecambe's historic promotion to League One, with his pace and direct style ensuring he stood out in the fourth tier.

Even with promotion, Mendes Gomes is sure to leave as he is capable of playing at a higher level and the Championship won't be too big of a step up. The likes of Rangers and Sunderland have been interested in the past, so there wouldn't be a free run at the player for Albion, but they could still win the race.

On a free, this could also be a smart business decision, as Mendes Gomes' value will rise significantly if he fulfils his potential in the years to come.

Another priority for Albion has to be a target man after Hal Robson-Kanu departed. The likes of Callum Robinson and Karlan Grant should guarantee goals in the Championship, but they aren't capable of leading the line as a focal point.

Diedhiou is though. The Senegal international has proven himself to be a very good player at this level over the years with Bristol City, so he is tried and tested in that sense. He scores goals, is physically strong and could be the ideal striker to allow all of those around him to thrive. He is exactly the sort of player the Albion squad is lacking.

Another who ticks those boxes is Wyke, who is coming off the back of a remarkable season with Sunderland.

The big man really seems to have settled down in the past year, with the 26 goals he scored for the Black Cats showing he is now becoming prolific. Aside from the goals, he is physically imposing, excellent with his back to goal and he will work hard for the team.

Again, these are the sort of qualities that West Brom are lacking, but his form means that it could be a real battle to convince Wyke to move to The Hawthorns.