Fletcher: Berahino needs to focus on task at hand

Matt Stead

Darren Fletcher urges wantaway West Brom striker Saido Berahino to “get his head down” despite constant speculation surrounding his future.

The Baggies are keen for the striker to remain at the Hawthorns, but Berahino has refused a new four-year deal and chairman Jeremy Peace must now decide whether to sell him or make him see out the rest of his contract.

Crystal Palace and Stoke are said to be keen on signing the 22-year-old this summer.

Fletcher insists that Berahino must keep his head down and avoid a repeat of last summers twitter outburst after he was refused a move to Tottenham.

“If he signs, great, and if he doesn’t he might be here for another season so we want him to get his head down and score as many goals as possible,” said Fletcher.

“We want good players to stay here because you have to pay a lot of money to replace them and Saido is no different.

“We know Saido is a great goalscorer and you need goalscorers in this league but we need a Saido who is fit and strong and with his head wanting to play for West Bromwich Albion.

“He looks sharp and a lot fitter this summer and he is going to have a good pre-season behind him as well.

“If he signs his new contract it shows he wants to be here and he can get back to showing people what a great player and a great goalscorer he is. If he doesn’t, we just hope he gets his head down and gives 100 per cent and helps the team.”