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Albion insist selling Saido Berahino is not on their agenda after rejecting an offer from Tottenham Hotspur, believed to be £15million.

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Spurs' opening salvo in what could be a long and protracted saga is thought to be £10m short of Albion's valuation of the sought-after striker.

But the matter may be further complicated by Albion's pursuit of Spurs defender Federico Fazio.

It is feared that renowned tough negotiator Daniel Levy may use Fazio as a bargaining chip, which could delay Albion's bid to sign the 28-year-old Argentine. A deal for Fazio was virtually agreed between the clubs the evening before Spurs stepped up their Berahino interest with a firm offer. But Hawthorns officials are concerned Spurs may now dig their heels in.

Jeremy Peace said in a statement that Albion would not sell Berahino.

"We have no interest in selling Saido, which is what I have told Daniel Levy," he said. "I know we are living in an age where no club can say 'never' about the possibility of selling a player.

"However, the prospect of selling Saido is simply not on our agenda.

"We are going forward with Saido very much in our plans and still striving to add players to improve the balance of our squad."

Berahino is still in the process of changing agents having ditched Aidy Ward and Albion have been impressed with his growing maturity. He is still believed to be keen to speak to Spurs, with the lure of European football and an opportunity to line up alongside ex-England Under-21 teammate Harry Kane obvious attractions. But the deal is perhaps not as likely as it would be if Manchester United, Manchester City or Arsenal came calling.

Peace and Levy are two of the toughest negotiators in the Premier League and there are likely to be a few twists and turns before the transfer window slams shut.

Meanwhile, reports from Scotland suggest Celtic are weighing up a move for Albion's out-of-favour left-back Sébastien Pocognoli.

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