West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace has insisted that the club won’t sell Saido Berahino to Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
The Baggies have already rejected two offers from the north London side this summer and are adamant that they won’t sell the England Under-21 international.
Tottenham are still keen to get a deal over the line in the last days of the transfer window, but West Brom have firmly shut the door on any move for Berahino happening before Tuesday’s deadline.
West Brom chairman Peace revealed that he has told the player that he won’t be sold and said that the striker remains a crucial part of the squad for the current season.
In a statement released on the club’s official website, Peace said: “I have informed Saido that he will not be transferred during this summer window and that he is staying at the club.
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“As I have made clear from the moment Tottenham lodged their first bid for Saido on August 18, selling our top goalscorer was never on our agenda this summer.
“Our plans have always been based on Saido being part of our squad for the 2015/16 season.”
Peace also added that they are yet to receive an offer from Tottenham that would have made them seriously think about selling their star man and Spurs’ valuation of the player does not match theirs.
The West Brom chairman also said that Tottenham’s strategy showed no consideration for their need to sign a competent replacement for Berahino.
“But there are two other good reasons why he will not be sold.
“Firstly, had we ever entertained the notion of selling him we have not received an offer anywhere near attractive enough from Tottenham Hotspur.
“Not only have the offers been too low as a valuation of the player, but they have been based on stage-payments and add-ons over a long period which do nothing to reflect Saido’s ability and potential.
“I have the greatest respect for Daniel Levy [the Tottenham chairman] but he must surely appreciate we would have needed to replace Saido had he left and no consideration of that position has been reflected by Tottenham’s strategy.”
The West Brom chairman also said that he has asked the forward to put the saga behind him and concentrate on his football at West Brom.
“It has contributed to our completing our last two games without a key player.
“I have spoken to Saido and of course I have sympathy for him. He has been unsettled and distracted by all this and I understand that.
“But I have strongly advised him to put this behind him and get back to what he does best which is to work hard for the team and score goals for Albion.”
