Coral Rumour Reel: ’15 clubs’ in for Saido Berahino and more
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Saido Berahino, the star striker of Coral’s 11/4 relegation candidates West Bromwich Albion, was left out of his team’s narrow 3-2 Premier League home defeat by champions Chelsea because of rife speculation surrounding his future, according to Baggies boss Tony Pulis.
The Hawthorns head coach confirmed “not just one club 15 clubs” are after the Burundi-born England call-up, with Tottenham chief among them following the rejection of their opening bid for Berahino, 22.
“We’re talking about Saido because of the transfer window,” said Pulis following the loss. “Everybody here today should be talking about the game and this wouldn’t be an issue. It can be disruptive and has been.
“He is fine, there’s no problems but it’s the transfer window which causes the problems. He needs to be protected, there’s loads of stuff going on in his mind, not just one club but 15 clubs. No-one should have this problem.”
Spurs, 8/1 for to make a return to the top four, are also linked again with Southampton anchorman Victor Wanyama, as the Kenyan is reportedly unsettled at St Mary’s in a similar fashion to fellow defensive midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who signed for Manchester United earlier this summer.
Wanyama would reportedly relish a reunion with former Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino at White Hart Lane, but the south coast club look unlikely to sell so close to transfer deadline day. Ronald Koeman would have precious little time to identify, pursue and successfully sign a replacement before September 1st.
Belgium winger Adnan Januzaj is once again linked with leaving 17/2 Premier League title hopes Manchester United, with West Ham United and Everton both targeting the talented youngster on loan.
And finally, flop duo Mario Balotelli (Liverpool) and Juan Cuadrado (Chelsea) will end their torrid times in England by both returning to Italy and Serie A. Maverick Azzurri attacker Balotelli is set for a return to AC Milan on loan, while Colombia winger Cuadrado could join Juventus for the season.
