West Bromwich Albion expect window battle for £23m Saido Berahino

Hawthorns sources have laughed off reports yesterday that the Reds are closing in on a £23m deal to land the eight-goal hitman and insisted no discussions have taken place.

But the Baggies know Berahino's name will figure prominently on the January rumour mill and are steeling themselves for a month of fevered speculation with Tottenham also being linked strongly with the 21-year-old. Albion believe most of the Premier League's top clubs are keeping tabs on Berahino's progress having been alerted by his electric form at the start of the season.

And interest will have heightened following news that the Baggies have called off contract talks because of concerns about the England Under-21 man's lifestyle.

Chairman Jeremy Peace postponed negotiations over an improved deal following Berahino's arrest for drink driving and is refusing to restart discussions until Berahino's attitude shows signs of improvement.

The driving case is ongoing with no charges levelled, but Albion are concerned at a dip in form that mirrors the one he showed last season after signing a lucrative new contract in January.

But Albion, who already have Berahino tied to club until 2017, believe the drop-off in performances make big-money moves from the country's biggest clubs unlikely next month.

Albion remain keen to fine-tune their own squad with wingers and strikers their top priority regardless of their search for a new head coach.

But they acknowledge the January market can be difficult and face problems offloading some of their own summer flops to free up room in the squad. Defender Jason Davidson, midfielder Sebastian Blanco and striker Georgios Samaras have failed to impress while record signing Brown Ideye and full-back Cristian Gamboa have been unable to hold down regular places.