West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis has revealed the future of forward Saido Berahino is still uncertain, despite club chairman Jeremy Peace insisting the player is not for sale.
Berahino, who has been the subject of two rejected bids from Tottenham Hotspur this month, was recently left out of the Pulis’ match-day squad against Chelsea and Port Vale.
When asked whether Berahino would be a West Brom player next weekend, Pulis said: “I never say never about anything until it’s closed and factual,” Pulis said.
“I don’t know, we have to wait and see. I wasn’t in the discussions the chairman had with Saido. I’ll have a chat with the lad when he comes in.
“It’s not just about football. It’s about the person, about the lad and what he’s going through.
“He’s a human being, he’s not just a lump of meat who people are trying to sell. He has emotions and having spoken to him he needs protecting.
“I don’t think he is 110 per cent clear on what his future is.”
Asked about the transfer saga, Pulis added: “It disrupted him [Berahino] last year and it is disrupting him again this time.
“This should not be happening. The system’s wrong and has to change. It’s not fair for anyone.
“For example, we tried to sign David Marshall and have been trying to do the deal for four or five weeks. It’s been disruptive for Cardiff and Marshall.”
Berahino, 22, scored 14 goals in 38 English Premier League appearances for Albion last season.
Albion agree Evans fee
In other news, West Brom have reportedly reached an agreement with Manchester United for the transfer of defender Johnny Evans, according to Sky Sports.
The Northern Ireland international, 27, is now set to undergo a medical at the Hawthorns, having fallen behind the likes of Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, Paddy McNair, Phil Jones and Tyler Blackett in the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Speaking ahead of the agreement between the two clubs, Pulis said: “Jonny would be a great signing for the football club but it’s down to the money men and his side. It takes three parties, the player and the clubs.
“I’d love to sign Jonny Evans.”
Meanwhile, if the Evans deal is finalised, Albion will reportedly sell Joleon Lescott to Aston Villa for an initial fee of £1 million, plus £1 million in potential add-ons.
EPL Betting Odds | Saturday, 29 August 2015 | Stoke City (1/1) v. West Brom (18/5); Draw (12/5)
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