West Brom will keep Berahino and only sign loanees

Mark Holmes
Saido Berahino: West Brom unlikely to sell Tottenham and Newcastle target

Saido Berahino: West Brom unlikely to sell Tottenham and Newcastle target

West Brom expect to keep Saido Berahino this month and are only likely to strengthen their squad with loan signings.

Tottenham and Newcastle United are interested in Berahino, but West Brom have not received any offers during the January window, according to Press Association Sport, and are not expecting an acceptable one before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Berahino will have one year left on his contract in the summer, yet Albion chairman Jeremy Peace will still only entertain sizeable offers, with no club getting close to his valuation of the 22-year-old.

Pearce rejected four bids from Spurs in the summer – which led to Berahino threatening to strike – with the final one rising to £23million, and the north Londoners’ approach strained the relationship between the clubs, although any differences have since been patched up.

Berahino has scored four goals in 19 games this term – and has not started a match since October – after netting 20 times last season.

Tony Pulis said last month the England Under-21 international was lucky to be included in the squad for their 1-0 win over Newcastle United because of behind-the-scenes issues, with the forward’s time-keeping understood to be a problem.

Meanwhile, West Brom revealed they spent £36million in the summer and will only sign new players – likely to be on loan – if they are able to move others out.

James Chester was an £8million recruit from Hull City, but the defender has played just seven times, making only one Premier League start.

Cristian Gamboa and Sebastien Pocognoli will also be allowed to leave if the club can find buyers, while Serge Gnabry’s season-long loan from Arsenal is still yet to be officially cancelled.

QPR’s Matty Phillips has been linked but, while he was an Albion target in the summer, Press Association Sport understands any fresh move is unlikely.