Arsenal and Chelsea Personally Scout England World Cup Hopeful - Report

Arsenal and Chelsea have made personal checks on West Bromwich Albion and England Under-21 striker Saido Berahino as manager Steve Clarke continues to fret over his precarious contract situation at The Hawthorns, according to The Daily Mail.

Berahino, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise this season, is on a basic salary of £850 at The Baggies and has less than 12 months to run on his current deal.

Clarke is therefore keen to agree an improved deal for Berahino to reflect his recent improvement, which saw him score a hat-trick against Notts County in the League Cup and the winner against Manchester United in the Premier League.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea have sent scouts to watch the 20 year old this season and after Berahino enhanced his reputation further with two goals for the England Under-21's against Lithuania on Tuesday Clarke is frantically trying to nail down the youngster to improved terms.

With his contract due to expire next summer, Berahino would be free to talk with rival clubs as early as January and while he would not be eligible to depart on a free at the end of the season, West Brom could only be expected to receive a nominal fee despite his burgeoning potential.

Such has been the impressive nature of Berahino's performances for club and country, the Burundi-born forward has been touted as a potential surprise selection in England's World Cup next summer however manager Roy Hodgson has already played down his chances.

Given the nature of Berahino's contract situation at West Brom, both Arsenal and Chelsea will be in a rush to secure a deal for one of English football's brightest young talents.

His performances, particularly against Premier League champions United - where his winning goal secured the club's first win at Old Trafford for 35 years - will have caught the eye and the pair can only expect interest to rise.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may even be tempted to complete a deal in January, with only two recognised senior strikers available to him, in order to improve the club's pursuit of the Premier League title.

With Chelsea unable to recall Romelu Lukaku from a loan spell at Everton, Chelsea may be forced to add to their misfiring attack in the New Year to keep pace for a top four place. Samuel Eto'o is yet to score this season since moving from Anzhi Makhachkala while Fernando Torres is out injured.