Stoke City have won the race for the signature of West Bromwich Albion’s Saido Berahino, 22. The England Under-21 international will move to the Potteries in a £16m deal after Tony Pulis reluctantly conceded defeat in keeping the player.
Berahino has agreed a £70,000 per week deal to take him to the bet365 Stadium and is set to sign this week. Mark Hughes has been a long-term admirer of the player whose career has stalled in recent seasons after he was hailed as one of England’s brightest hopes for the future.
A dream move to Tottenham collapsed last summer and West Bromwich Albion chairman, Jeremy Peace, rejected a £21m bid from Newcastle United in January. The Baggies hoped that Crystal Palace and Everton would entering an auction with Stoke but their interest never materialised in firm bids. Stoke’s offer is the only one received and Albion have decided to cash in.
With Marko Arnautovic, 27, reportedly holding out over a new contract, Hughes is keen to add another striker to his squad. The Austrian who was one of his nation’s under-performers at Euro 2016 is the subject of speculation over his future having rejected the club’s recent improved terms.
Berahino needs stability in his career as he seeks to realise the potential which brought him to the attention of England manager, Roy Hodgson.
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