Thursday 25 August 2016 12:54, UK
Stoke boss Mark Hughes remains hopeful over a deal for West Brom striker Saido Berahino - but admits time is running out.
The Potters made a £20m bid for the former England U21 international in July, but West Brom boss Tony Pulis insists the striker will not be sold until the club have recruited a replacement.
Berahino, who has one year remaining on his contract with the Baggies, turned down an offer of a new four-year deal, which would have kept him at the Hawthorns until 2020.
Hughes remains optimistic that he can land the former England U21 international, but accepts he may have to look at other options after failing to agree a fee with West Brom.
"We are quite a way down the line with that one in terms of going back and forth," Hughes said. "I'm not really up to date in terms of where we are in this moment in time.
'I think you have to let these things run their course and give them the time that they deserve. Certainly some deals just go on and on and at some point you have to make a decision to move on.
"Certainly there have been deals this season where we have had to make a decision to do that with.
"We are still there and we are still of the view that something may happen. But we are close to a point where we may have to look at alternatives."
Hughes is also keen to bring in a new defender and has been linked with Phil Jones of Manchester United, who has been hampered by injuries since his arrival at Old Trafford in June 2011.
"We've made inquiries," Hughes added. "Clearly he is a player who has got good pedigree and at a good club.
"Sometimes you just inquire to see what the current thinking is on certain players"
