Stoke after West Brom's Saido Berahino

Stoke have begun the chase for Albion striker Saido Berahino – as the Baggies were linked with moves for Moussa Sissoko and Charlie Taylor.

Boss Mark Hughes has identified Berahino as a key target this summer and, while there has been no bid at this stage, the Potters have been in touch regarding a potential move.

Last summer, Tottenham saw a £23million bid rejected for the forward while in January Newcastle had a £21million offer turned down.

Berahino's price tag has dropped since then, but it is believed Albion chairman Jeremy Peace will still hold out for a fee between £15m and £20m.

A move to the Potteries could now tempt the 22-year-old, who has seen his options limited with Newcastle being relegated and Spurs looking at other targets after qualifying for the Champions League.

A cash injection from the forward's sale could be used to fund moves for Newcastle midfielder Sissoko and Leeds defender Taylor.

The Express & Star understands both are players being monitored by boss Tony Pulis and technical director Nick Hammond.

But, despite reports elsewhere, Albion are not interested in West Ham's James Tomkins.

Taylor won Leeds' Player of the Year award last season following a string of starring displays at left-back.

The 22-year-old has just one-year remaining on his contract at Elland Road with Liverpool and Stoke having been previously linked.

But the defender has also stated a desire to the play in the Premier League with the Yorkshire giants.

Taylor said: "Unless anything drastic happens, I'm sure I'll be here next season. I'm not thinking any other way.

"The dream is still to play in the Premier League with Leeds. I'm not just saying that."

Box-to-box midfielder Sissoko is currently part of the France squad competing at the European Championships.

The 26-year-old has been angling for a move away from Newcastle even since their relegation and has cited Arsenal as his preferred destination.

Albion are interested in the midfielder, but remain realistic about their chances of landing him with sources suggesting Newcastle are demanding £15million for his services.