According to reports from The Daily Star this morning, Manchester United are considering a late swoop for West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino.
The 21 year-old’s future at the Hawthorns has been open to speculation for some time, following a 14-goal haul in the Premier League last season and persistent rumours of interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur throughout the summer.
The Lilywhites have proved the most proactive thus far in courting the Burundi-born striker’s signature; they’ve already seen two bids rejected by the Baggies – the latest allegedly worth £22million – and are expected to make an improved offer by the end of the week.
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Berahino is known to have handed in a transfer request at the Hawthorns, although manager Tony Pulis refused to accept it and Jeremy Peace has since claimed; “the sale of the player is not on our agenda.”
According to The Star, however, Spurs face a new competitor in the race for the 5 foot 11 striker’s signature in the form of Manchester United.
Despite Louis van Gaal’s recent insistence otherwise, the common consensus amongst the tabloids is that the Red Devils will try to add another striker to their squad before the transfer window closes on September 1st, with Wayne Rooney still waiting for his first goal of the new Premier League season.
Citing The Times, The Star claim van Gaal is monitoring how Berahino’s situation develops with a view to launching a late bid for the youngster – potentially eclipsing Spurs’ next offer.
Interestingly, Berahino exploded onto the scene in 2013 with a stunning winning strike against United at Old Trafford – his first ever goal in the Premier League and the Red Devils’ first home defeat under the much-maligned David Moyes.
Yeah, the Daily Star that bastion of football miss-information.
This would be a real pain for us if Utd take him.
Whilst he’s overpriced and there are question marks around his attitude, he’s versatile and has experience in the league. He’d allow us to play Kane deeper, where I believe he’ll be more effective, closer to Sheringham than Shearer.
There isn’t really anyone else available that fits us so well, which is why we’ll end up paying top dollar, provided Utd don’t make a mess of the deal.