Newcastle looking to bolster attack and bid for Baggies’ Berahino
Published:West Bromich Albion attacker Saido Berahino is being linked with a move the Premier League rivals Newcastle United this summer, after reports he is unsettled at the club.
The Burundi-born 20-year-old has impressed for the Baggies this season, getting nine goals in all competitions, but has largely been used as a substitute and out on the wings. He also netted the winner from the spot against Alan Pardew’s men on New Year’s Day.
At the end of March, Berahino was said to be involved in a scuffle with teammate James Morrison, following the 3-3 draw with Cardiff, and the former was reportedly unhappy with how West Brom dealt with the situation.
The Baggies, under now departed manager Pepe Mel, finished the season just above the drop zone in 17th – three points ahead of Norwich – while the Magpies were 10th, after a poor second half of the campaign.
Coral are giving odds for the next West Brom manager, with Dave Jones the favourite at 3/1, ahead of the likes of former Spurs head coach Tim Sherwood at 4/1. Ex-Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo, meanwhile, is a 25/1 chance to return to The Hawthorns.
Newcastle are currently desperately hunting down a new striker, with loan signing Loic Remy wanting to play in Europe, Shola Ameobi being out of contract this summer, and Papiss Cisse will be out for several months due to a broken kneecap.
Berahino is expected to be a player for the future, and was even an outside shout to make England’s World Cup squad at one point. He has already highly impressed for the Under-21s, getting 6 goals in his five appearances in their Euro 2015 qualifying campaign.
The likes of Chelsea (2/1 second-favourites to win the Premier League next season), Arsenal (10/1) and Everton (4/1 top four chances) have also reportedly kept an eye on the youngster over the course of the campaign.
