Stoke won't be held to ransom over Saido Berahino, says Peter Coates
Tuesday 30 August 2016 19:10, UK
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates says the club will not be held to ransom in their pursuit of West Brom striker Saido Berahino.
The Potters made a £20m bid for the former England U21 international in July, and West Brom boss Tony Pulis has again urged the board to take action over Berahino's future and bring new signings into the club.
However, Stoke remain hopeful of completing the deal before the end of Deadline Day.
But Coates insists his club will not overspend on the 23-year-old who has scored 23 goals for the Baggies in 100 appearances.
"There's no point [being held over a barrel]," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"You've got your valuations and you can always walk away and that is sometimes the best thing to do.
"We have to stay competitive, and we are competitive, but there are lines we won't cross if we think it's a bit outrageous then we give it a miss and we get on with it.
"They know of our interest so we'll have to see if anything happens between now and Wednesday. Time is getting short."
