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Saido Berahino rejects new contract to force West Brom exit

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Saido Berahino has rejected Albion's offer of a bumper four-year contract as the striker attempts to force his way out of The Hawthorns this summer.

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The Baggies were hoping to safeguard Berahino's value with Stoke and Watford sniffing around by making him the club's highest paid player.

But after a frustrating season at The Hawthorns – which included five months on the bench ­– Berahino is eager to move on.

He has one year left on his current contract with a £15,000-a-week salary, and even though Albion would receive some compensation if he left on a free transfer next summer, it's unlikely to be as much as the £20million chairman Jeremy Peace wants.

Albion don't want to sell the 22-year-old without finding a replacement first, but they are yet to buy a striker this summer.

Reports the club have tabled a bid for West Ham forward Diafra Sakho are premature, although the Baggies are monitoring his situation.

Sakho has handed in a transfer request but Albion are yet to make their move for the 26-year-old because they believe West Ham's £15million valuation is too pricey.

Albion would prefer to spend less, and have highlighted three young lower-league players who could potentially move to The Hawthorns.

The Baggies are considering tabling a £5m bid for Leeds left-back Charlie Taylor.

The highly-rated 22-year-old only has one year left on his contract and like Berahino, is refusing to sign a new contract.

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Leeds chairman Massimo Cellino is providing an obstacle in negotiations, and has previously said he'd prefer Taylor to go on a free transfer next summer than sell him this summer.

But Albion are desperate for a left-back and are willing to fight for Taylor's signature in the hope that the unpredictable Cellino will change his mind if offered enough money.

Recruitment chief Nick Hammond was at Charlton Athletic's pre-season friendly with Welling over the weekend.

It's believed he was watching 22-year-old central midfielder Jordan Cousins, who won player of the year at Charlton last season.

And the Baggies are also reportedly interested in Huddersfield Town's 6ft 5in left-sided player Philip Billing.

The 20-year-old, who was born in Denmark, has been linked with Tottenham in the past.

Billing signed a long-term contract at Huddersfield earlier this year and has a £5m price tag.