Newcastle United 'make big-money bid' for wantaway West Brom star Saido Berahino

Newcastle United has reportedly made a £21 million ($29.9 million) bid for West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino. The 22-year-old star was persistently linked with a move away from The Hawthorns throughout the transfer window and the relegation-threatened Magpies are said to have tabled a big-money offer for the player.

Berahino came close to leaving the Midlands club during the summer transfer window, when Tottenham Hotspur tried to seal a last-minute deal for his services. But Newcastle have reportedly leapt to the front of the queue for the sought-after player by tabling a big-money offer.

Despite this, Berahino would still prefer a transfer to Tottenham, according to The Mirror, who claim the bid may provoke the north London club into trying to strike a deal for the player before the January transfer window closes.

Berahino has been in underwhelming form for West Brom this season and it is reported that with only 18 months left on his current contract, West Brom may be willing to sell their prized asset.

West Brom boss Tony Pulis was said to be open to selling the player during the summer, but the decision will ultimately rest with the club's chairman, Jeremy Peace. Chelsea have also been repeatedly linked with a move for the West Brom striker, although their need for reinforcements has lessened following the loan signing of Alexandre Pato.