West Brom deal for Tottenham defender Federico Fazio in doubt over personal terms

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis has insisted a potential deal for Federico Fazio will have no impact upon Tottenham's ongoing pursuit of striker Saido Berahino, although reports are now claiming that such a transfer has collapsed at the final hurdle.

Argentine centre-back Fazio struggled during his first season at White Hart Lane following a summer switch from Sevilla, making 20 Premier League appearances under Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino amid sustained criticism from distinctly unimpressed supporters.

The 28-year-old has not even featured on the substitutes' bench for Tottenham's opening matches of the 2015-16 top-flight campaign against Manchester United and Stoke, with Sky Sports revealing West Brom had agreed a price of £5m ($7.8m) to take him to the Hawthorns.

"The lad is here and having a medical and we're hoping to get it done," Pulis confirmed during a press conference held on 21 August prior to his side's forthcoming clash against Chelsea. "He wants to show that he can not only compete but do well in the Premier League and I think that ambition, drive and desire is what you need in your club. He's been a top player for Sevilla and I think he will be a top signing for the club."

Move for Berahino?

Given that Tottenham have been actively pursuing a deal for Berahino for several weeks as part of a typically late drive to improve upon their dearth of striking options, many presumed the imminent deal for Fazio would make it far easier for Pochettino to get his man.

Pulis disputes this, though, reiterating that West Brom intend to keep hold of a player who scored 20 times in all competitions last term and finished 13 goals ahead of next top scorer Brown Ideye.

"That deal has absolutely nothing to do with Saido's position at the football club," the former Stoke and Crystal Palace boss said, as relayed by Reuters. "We want Saido to stay. You never say never but we want him to stay and I think it would be in his best interests."

Whether Fazio will join West Brom at all remains open to significant doubt, though. The very latest speculation, courtesy of the Press Association, suggests that although he did successfully pass that aforementioned medical, negotiations have now broken down due to a disagreement over personal terms.

It seems the move could still happen as a loan but it is further claimed that Pulis may already be moving on to other targets. West Brom have already strengthened their defence this summer with the £8m signing of James Chester from Hull on a four-year contract.