Berahino open to Baggies exit

07 November 2014 19:46

Saido Berahino admits he may have to leave West Brom to achieve his ambitions.

The striker has been handed his first senior England call-up and would be prepared to move with Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all linked with the 21-year-old.

And Berahino, who is contracted to the Baggies until 2017, acknowledged he could quit The Hawthorns to progress.

"If that's what it comes to it has to be that," he said. "I appreciate what West Brom have done for me and I am working hard to bring the club up. I just stay focused and right now I'm focused on West Brom and the games coming up.

"I just take each game as it comes, my aim would be to play in the Champions League, to be involved in the England seniors and go and play in World Cups and Euros.

"I take each game as it comes, work hard and I have a big vision and hopefully I can reach my goals.

"There will be more eyes on me but I know I can handle the pressure and I have just got to focus on myself and let the football do the talking.

"I've had a good start to the season and worked extremely hard and now I have the chance to progress even more. It's up to me to take it with both hands."

Berahino is the top scoring Englishman in the Barclays Premier League with seven goals and head coach Alan Irvine doesn't want to lose him.

"I hope not," he said ahead of Sunday's visit of Newcastle. "We are hoping to take the club forward. We all know there are certain clubs who are competing for Champions League spots year after year and it's important for any young player who wants to go to those clubs to make sure it's the right time to go."

Berahino is preparing to face Slovenia in a Euro 2016 qualifier and then a friendly with Scotland this month after Roy Hodgson selected him for the Three Lions.

But he was in bed when the news was announced on Thursday and Berahino got the confirmation from mum Liliane who was watching it on television.

"I couldn't believe it. Even driving to the training ground it still all seems like a dream," said the 21-year-old.

"My mum was in the living room and she saw the news on the telly. So I actually heard about it just like everybody else did.

"Obviously there were rumours flying around that I might be in the squad.

"When I got into training all the lads shook my hand and told me to make sure I stay focused."

Source: PA