Pulis keen to keep Saido Berahino at the Hawthorns

Friday 09 Jan 2015
Berahino has been in good form for club and country this season
West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis says he wants to keep Saido Berahino at the Hawthorns.

The England Under-21s striker has been strongly linked with a move away from the Baggies during January, after scoring 13 goals so far this season.

And he’s made an instant impression on Pulis, after scoring four goals in the Welshman’s first game in charge during their FA Cup win against Gateshead last weekend and with his attitude in training.

See some of Saido's best moments from 2014

 

Berahino’s form on the international scene also saw him named as the Under-21s Player of the Year this week following swiftly on the heels of his first call-up to Roy Hodgson's senior squad last November and he’s an asset which Pulis is keen to work with.

"For everyone here, we'd like to keep him," he said.

"If you're asking me whether I want to sell him now, not at all because he has been absolutely first class.

"We've had no offers for Saido, he is scoring goals and has been a pleasure to work with. 

“He has been the last on the training ground every morning, doing extra with Kempy [Dave Kemp] and Jewelly [Paul Jewell].

"The important thing is we have to make sure he has a clear mind when he goes on the football pitch."

However, the former Gillingham, Stoke and Crystal Palace boss is experienced enough to admit that should the Midlands outfit receive a huge offer for the 21-year-old, there may be no choice.

"You have a situation where Suarez goes from Liverpool when they finished second last year and they sell him because it was the right deal for the football club," he said.

"Everyone is available in every shape and form and there's no difference about that."

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels