Ongoing speculation over the future of West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino is set to be intensified after he was left out of their matchday squad to face Chelsea on Sunday.

The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from The Hawthorns this summer and has been tipped to join Tottenham Hotspur.

The north London club had a £15m bid rejected on Tuesday but are expected to return with an improved offer before the transfer window shuts on September 1.

It now appears the England under-21 international’s head has been turned by the advances, with Baggies boss Tony Pulis leaving him out of the squad to face Chelsea because his “head is not in the right place.”

Speaking on Saturday, assistant manager Dave Kemp praised Berahino’s attitude in training but admitted West Brom cannot stop the player being interested in a move to Spurs.

“Saido’s been good in training, doing his work,” Kemp told talkSPORT.
“But you’re just sitting in the breakfast room and his name is coming up on the TV, linked with Tottenham, so your head is going to get turned.

“He’s only a young lad but his attitude has been good. He’s a fabulous player and we’d be quite happy to keep him but these things get taken out of your hands sometimes.”

Supporters feared Berahino would be on his way out of the club when they spent £12m on Zenit striker Salomon Rondon earlier this month.

After facing Chelsea, the Baggies are next in action at Stoke on Saturday August 29 and are priced at 4.33 to win, with the Potters installed as the 1.85 favourites and the draw at 3.30.