Saido Berahino close to new West Brom deal says Steve Clarke

Boss Steve Clarke today insisted Saido Berahino is poised to sign his new Albion contract after the youngster become involved in a Twitter row with fans.

Berahino – an unused substitute in last night's 2-2 derby draw with Villa – hit back angrily at supporters who he claimed misinterpreted a post-match tweet.

And Clarke claimed the 20-year-old forward has all-but agreed a new long-term deal to keep him at The Hawthorns.

Berahino, who has been in talks for several months over extending his stay at Albion, sparked the online dispute by tweeting "time to be selfish" moments after the final whistle last night.

That led to fears he would look to move elsewhere to further his career with some fans targeting the England Under-21s man with abuse in response. But Berahino then tweeted: "Clearly people don't know me. Do I look that immature to talk about my future on here? But thanks for the abuse. God bless."

And Clarke said: "I thought the contract was almost done. As far as I know, the club have made him a really, really good offer and we're just waiting on his agent to sort him out. I don't think there is too much more negotiation to be done."

"He just has to put pen to paper on the deal – it's a good deal."