Tony Pulis: Saido Berahino’s Future in Chairman’s Hands

Saido Berahino’s ongoing transfer saga has taken another twist, with West Bromwich Albion putting the forward up for sale…but only at an astronomical fee.

With only 12 days until the January Transfer Window closes, it looks a knocking bet that Berahino will leave West Brom but is Mike Ashley and Newcastle United’s interest genuine? Townsend is furious, but there is little he can do about it as he still has 18-months left on his contract.

Reports have emerged claiming Newcastle are planning to launch a bid of £18m that should convince West Brom to sell.

The 22-year-old striker famously fell out with Peace after the Baggies’ chairman vetoed a summer transfer to Tottenham, vowing that he would never play for the club again.

Peace believes that given the high level of competition for the signature of Berahino, he may be able to make a huge profit if one of the interested sides agrees to meet his price demands.

Berahino threatened to go on strike in September when West Brom rejected numerous approaches from Spurs and it is still unclear whether the striker has a future with the club.

That will not satisfy McClaren, who has lost Papiss Cissé to a long term injury and is still waiting for Aleksandar Mitrovic to settle in English football, but he appreciates deals are hard to do in January.