Spurs hold more rope in Berahino tug-of-war with Liverpool

It’s the transfer rumour that keeps on giving and being that it is still early in January, this will not be the last time a potential big-money move for Saido Berahino is mentioned.

Freshly appointed West Brom boss Tony Pulis has already set out his stall regarding his star striker, stating it ‘would take a lot of money’ and a ‘big club’ to prise Berahino away this winter.

The Welshman is adamant the Baggies don’t need to sell for any financial reasons, though he’s realistic that a Liverpool or a Tottenham could force his arm.

A fee north of £20m is a lot to ask of either club, but then again this is a young English (add another £5m) striker, with dazzling bright prospects.

Of the two top-four hopefuls, it seems that 4/1-shots Spurs rather than 7/1-chances Liverpool, stand in the more commanding position to procure his services.

Brendan Rodgers is after a striker, of that there can be little doubt, but many reports suggest that the Anfield outfit have now secured a £3m deal to cut free Divock Origi from his season-long loan deal at Lille.

With 19-year-old Origi being a young, fast striker of not dissimilar profile to Berahino, this would certainly negate Liverpool’s need to target the Baggies’ prize asset.

Good news then for Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs who have plenty of funds available thanks to a far more frugal summer spend than the king’s ransom splurged on Merseyside.

Some media sources say the Reds will have to sell before they can afford to buy Berahino anyway.

Down in the capital Harry Kane’s emergence as a potent force is an absolute bonus for the Lilywhites, but they cannot solely put the responsibility for scoring on his green shoulders.

Rumours still abound that Emmanuel Adebayor and/or Roberto Soldado could be moved on in January, which would definitely place more onus on capturing the West Brom starlet.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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