Tottenham transfer news: Spurs worried Saido Berahino would disrupt squad spirit

Striking concerns: Spurs apprehensive over move for Baggies forward
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Simon Johnson7 January 2016

Tottenham are stalling over whether to make another attempt to sign West Brom striker Saido Berahino this month.

Spurs made three offers for the 22-year-old last summer, with a final bid of £25 million rejected on the last day of the summer transfer window.

Relations between the two clubs soured at the time, with West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace accusing Spurs of unsettling the player.

It is understood things have improved since then, with West Brom now making an approach to take Andros Townsend on loan this month.

That move has paved the way for negotiations to resume over Berahino and although a deal could still be done, Spurs are not sure to go ahead.

While they still rate Berahino highly and are aware of the risk of being left short up front if Harry Kane gets injured, they are wary about unsettling the strong harmony that is currently within the group.

Berahino has been frustrated about a lack of playing time at West Brom this term but will not be guaranteed a start at White Hart Lane, with Kane remaining first choice.

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Significantly, when asked about his desire for new signings last week, Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino said: “We have a very good relationship with all the departments of the club and we know we are ready to take the better decision for the team and the future of the club.

“But that doesn’t mean we need to bring players in or not. The better decision may be to bring players in or not to bring players in.”

Spurs are also unwilling to match the offer they made four months ago because they believe

Berahino has lost value since then.

He has started just eight games for West Brom this term and has just 18 months left on his current contract.

When does the transfer window close across Europe? Scroll over the map below to find out

The England Under-21 international remains desperate to leave The Hawthorns and still wants a switch to Spurs. Townsend, meanwhile, is keen to leave the club after making just seven appearances during the current campaign.

The winger’s lack of action has put at risk his chances of making England’s squad for Euro 2016.

Spurs are prepared to let him go but despite a number of clubs being interested, only West Brom have made an official offer and that was just over a loan deal for the rest of the season.

The north London club would prefer a permanent sale in excess of £10m

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