West Brom rejected offer from China for Salomon Rondon, says Tony Pulis
Friday 3 February 2017 11:28, UK
Tony Pulis has revealed West Bromwich Albion turned down an offer from China for forward Salomon Rondon before the close of the January transfer window.
Rondon has netted seven times in 25 appearances for the Baggies this season, including a hat-trick against Swansea, but is without a goal in his last eight matches in all competitions.
Pulis, who secured the Deadline Day signing of Marc Wilson from Bournemouth, says he was keen to keep the Venezuela international in his "tight" squad having allowed Saido Berahino to leave for Stoke.
"There was an offer for Rondon from China," the West Brom boss said. "Clubs in China seem to be offering money for every Premier League forward though.
"We've got 16 senior professionals at the club. It's a tight group. Marc Wilson can cover a number of positions."
Pulis welcomes former club Stoke City to The Hawthorns on Saturday and will be hoping to lead his side to their third successive home win in the Premier League.
The 59-year-old spent 10 years at the Bet365 Stadium over two spells, guiding Stoke to promotion to the Premier League in 2008 before establishing the club in the top flight.
He will be without central defender Jonny Evans, who has missed the past four matches and remains on the sidelines with a calf injury, and is expecting a tough test against Mark Hughes' side.
"Jonny won't be fit again unfortunately," Pulis said. "We are really disappointed with how long it's taking for Jonny to get back.
"I have great respect for Stoke City. It'll be tough and we will have to be at our best to get a result.
"It's a big game on Saturday. We need our supporters to come and get behind us like they have done this season."
