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West Brom forward Saido Berahino affected by rumours, says Tony Pulis

Saido Berahino of West Bromwich Albion
Image: West Bromwich Albion forward Saido Berahino has struggled for form this season

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis admits the ongoing speculation surrounding Saido Berahino's future has affected the forward in ways he has never seen.

Tottenham had four bids rejected for Berahino during the summer transfer window, and the 22-year-old also threatened to never play for West Brom again after two of those offers were turned down on deadline day. 

Berahino, who subsequently backed down from his initial threat, has scored just three goals this season and has been named on the substitutes' bench for the last six matches. 

Saido Berahino warms up before West Brom's game against Liverpool
Image: Berahino could feature for West Brom in their Boxing Day encounter with Swansea

Pulis said: "It is the first time I have had to manage this situation. I have been in management a long time, but it is the first time someone has had that opportunity and has not gone and then he has just faded away as much as Saido has. 

"I am not blaming the kid one bit about that, it is just the way it has been. Obviously, with the press focusing on what he is going to do and what he is not going to do, it is going to point the gun firmly at him again. 

"He has got to make sure that he gets his head in gear and performs well. You can't condemn people."

Tottenham's offers for Berahino were heavily clause-based, with their final bid rising to £23m in several instalments. 

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Tony Pulis manager of West Bromwich Albion
Image: West Brom manager Tony Pulis says the club are under no pressure to sell Berahino

And Pulis insists Berahino will remain at The Hawthorns unless their valuation for him is met. 

He said: "I don't think it is inevitable (he will go). It is up to the chairman and people. If you are buying a house, the buyer has to put the right offer in and the one who is selling has to accept that offer. 

"There is always a price for people and always a price people will go to. But that doesn't mean the deal is going to be done."