Everton have reportedly enquired about signing West Brom attacker Saido Berahino.
According to the Daily Mail, Everton have made an enquiry for West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino ahead of the January transfer window.
The Toffees saw Romelu Lukaku score against Leicester City on Boxing Day, but with Enner Valencia offering little since his summer move from West Ham, Ronald Koeman will still want to bring in another striker.
A number of attackers have been linked with the club, but the Daily Mail now claim that Everton have made their first move to land striker Saido Berahino in January, as they’re believed to have asked West Bromwich Albion about his availability.
West Bromwich Albion’s Saido Berahino in action with Middlesbrough’s Adam Clayton
Berahino, 23, hit 20 goals for the Baggies during the 2014/15 campaign, but struggled last season with just seven goals in all competitions, and this season has been even worse for the Burundi-born attacker.
The former England Under-21 international has started just three Premier League games this season, and having been put on a fitness plan by manager Tony Pulis, he hasn’t played at all since the 10th of September.
West Brom’s Saido Berahino
That isn’t stopping transfer interest though, as Berahino is out of contract at the end of the season, and whilst West Brom would be entitled to a compensation fee if he does go in that way, Everton are believed to be keen on a January move.
That could suit West Brom too, as they will hope to sell him for whatever they can get before he leaves at the end of the season, with a host of foreign clubs eyeing moves for him, given that he’d cost just £300,000 in compensation if he leaves England.
A pacey, dangerous and versatile attacker when fit, Berahino is still attracting plenty of interest despite his fitness problems, and the Daily Mail add that Newcastle United remain keen on him after failing to complete a deal in January of this year.
As reported by Sky Sports, the Magpies – then managed by Steve McClaren – failed with a £21million move for Berahino on deadline day in January, and Rafael Benitez could now lodge another bid for him in the hope of striking a deal at a much reduced price.
A move to Everton may be more appealing right now, but with potentially more first-team opportunities on offer at Championship side Newcastle, Berahino will be considering his options carefully – and having seen his career stagnate, he must pick the right destination in 2017.
Do you think Berahino would be better off joining Everton or Newcastle?
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