New West Brom prodigy attracting interest

A host of major clubs are monitoring 15-year-old striker Jonathan Leko, after he broke through into the Baggies under-21s in the opening weeks of this season.

But Hawthorns officials believe Berahino's success in the Premier League will help them persuade Leko and his family to stick with the club.

Leko, who arrived in England like Berahino as a refugee from Africa, has represented England at under-16s level and is tipped to be the next star to emerge from the Baggies' ever-improving academy.

He has started four of Albion's five Under-21 Premier League games this season and has been monitored by England's biggest clubs, who are now pondering a move.

And that will set alarm bells ringing for Baggies fans, who have already seen a trio of their club's best young players leave in recent seasons.

Izzy Brown joined Chelsea for a nominal fee, after appearing as a substitute in the Baggies first-team.

Yan Dhanda and Jerome Sinclair, who had not progressed into the senior ranks, joined Liverpool for just £209,000 each in compensation.

However, Berahino has since broken into the first team and Albion believe his success will persuade Leko's family and advisors that he should stay.

Berahino moved to England as an 11-year-old having lost his father in the civil war in Burundi, where he was born.

Leko also arrived as a child when his father was granted asylum to move from a war-torn region of DR Congo.

Both Leko and his father have since gained British citizenship and Albion believe that their support for the family will help their cause.

It did with Berahino last season, when his Hawthorns career hit the skids and he was linked with a move away.

Berahino now has six goals in all competitions this season and his five Premier League strikes – including a penalty at Liverpool on Saturday – make him the leading English scorer in the top-flight.