Manchester United and Liverpool suffer blow in pursuit of rising attacker

According to English Media outlet Daily Star, Manchester United and Liverpool have been dealt a massive blow in their pursuit of West Brom attacker Saido Berahino. The English International has been in stunning form this season and has drawn envious glances from top Premier League clubs.

However, West Brom Chairman Jeremy Peace has confirmed that the player will remain at the club and will stay put in the January transfer window. Pearce said, “I wish to assure our supporters that Saido Berahino will not be going anywhere in January or, I hope, next summer. It is not in our minds at all to trade a footballer the club has worked so diligently to develop.”

Pearce continued, “He is contracted to play for West Bromwich Albion until at least the summer of 2017 and we are happy to sit down with him and discuss extending that commitment on terms which recognise his continuing improvement as a footballer and his growing importance to our own plans. We have begun that process by opening preliminary talks with Saido’s representatives.”

The recent developments thus comes as a fresh blow to both United and Liverpool who might have been on the lookout for an impact striker in the winter transfer window. While Mario Balotelli has struggled to make an impact at the Anfield side, the Red Devils are also sweating over the fitness of Radamel Falcao. Moreover, Robin Van Persie looks way past his best and James Wilson is inexperienced while Wayne Rooney now plays in a more deeper role. North London outfit Tottenham were also looking at Berahino as Roberto Soldado and Emanuel Adebayor has failed to hit the ground running this season.

Berahino’s terrific form has seen him earn a call to England’s national team squad and the player will be desperate to make an impact for the Three Lions as he aims to cement a Euro 2016 place for himself under Roy Hodgson.