West Bromwich Albion’s England starlet Saido Berahino has admitted that he wants Champions League football.
The 21-year-old, who could make his England senior debut in the Euro 2016 qualifier with Slovenia, or the Friendly with Scotland a few days later, is attracting attention from Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Berahino, who is set to feature for the Baggies this weekend against Newcastle before leaving for international duty, said:
“My ambition is to play Champions League and be involved in England’s senior team in big tournaments like World Cups and Euros.
“I have a big vision and hope I can reach the goals. If it takes leaving West Bromwich Albion to achieve my goals it will have to be that.
“I appreciate what West Brom have done for me and I am working hard each day to bring the club as many wins as I can.
“It doesn’t mean I wont sign a new contract,” he says. “It doesn’t mean I will leave this year or next year- no one knows. It is just an ambition I have.
“I’m enjoying my football, I’m playing well and scoring goals. I’m just letting my football do the talking.”
Baggies boss Alan Irvine would rather Berahino stay at the club at least one more year.
Irvine, who has pulled West Brom round after a poor start, says:
“I hope Berahino doesn’t have to leave West Brom to further his career because we are looking to take the club forward.
“But we all know that there are certain clubs who are competing for Champions League spots year after year. It is important for any young player who goes to one of those clubs to make sure it’s the right time to go.
“Berahino is quite right to say he is still learning, he’s got a lot to do to be the player he wants to be, and who knows what the future will bring or where he ends up playing?
“But right now he’s in a good place, he’s at a club where he gets the chance to play week in, week out and in a position that gives him the benefit of playing to his strengths.
“I believe there is still plenty of time for him to work on his game here before anything else happens. None of us are in control of that situation, but it’s important that young players don’t go to the wrong place at the wrong time.
“Berahino needs to have good people to advise him if and when those kind of situations come up.”
Steve Osborne @SteveOsborne23
