Stoke and Baggies reach Berahino deal

Stoke have reached an agreement with West Brom over the transfer of striker Saido Berahino.

Mark Hughes has made no secret of his desire to sign the striker and he has finally got his man after the two clubs agreed a fee, believed to be worth up to £15million.

Berahino completed the move on Friday evening, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal to move to the Britannia Stadium.

"I’m so overwhelmed and happy and I just can’t wait to get started and meet all the lads and get cracking on,” Berahino told his new club's official website.

“It’s been crazy really - this morning I went to West Brom and did a bit of gym work and then went back home.

"I didn’t expect anything to happen this afternoon but I got a call from West Brom telling me I was free to speak to Stoke.

“I was the happiest man on the motorway driving up here this afternoon.

“Everything has moved pretty fast - I’ve completed my medical and all the paperwork and all that’s left to do is meet my new teammates and get started.”

Hughes had earlier expressed his frustration at the lack of progress in the club's pursuit of the striker and he is delighted to have finally captured his long-term transfer target.

“It’s been a bit of a saga but we have managed to get it over the line, thankfully,” Hughes told Stoke City Player.

“At times it appeared like it wasn’t likely to happen but, as always with these kind of deals, you have to be patient and hope that all the work you have done throughout the talks pays off.

“It did appear like it was stalling somewhat and I suggested that this morning, but that was based on my knowledge of the deal at that time.

“Evidently, it gained a fair amount of speed this afternoon and we have been able to conclude the deal, which we are all absolutely delighted about.”

Berahino’s future has been the subject of much speculation since the summer of 2015 when he threatened to go on strike after West Brom rejected several offers from Tottenham, while Newcastle tried to sign him in January 2016 with Stoke failing in their attempt to land the striker last summer.

The 23-year-old has not featured for West Brom since 10 September and was placed on a personal fitness plan after club tests found he was eight pounds above his ideal weight.

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