West Ham are “keeping their powder dry” after Watford were reported to have moved in on West Brom striker Saido Berahino.

The Hornets are believed to have lodged a bid with the front mn who has been regularly linked with Spurs over the last 12 months.

However, although the Hammers are keeping a careful eye on him they fear he won’t be allowed to leave until Christmas with Albion’s owner Jeremy Peace apparently ready to sell the club should he get the right offer.

A Hammers insider told ClaretandHugh: “Our understanding is that’s the case. The Albion chairman may want Berahino in place until Christmas as the club then becomes more attractive to a potential buyer.

“Yes we are interested in the boy as we are several other strikers and it’s one that we would obviously be monitoring.”

Berahino managed just seven goals in 35 appearances last season when but hit 20 in the previous campaign when his Enland under 21 international career was taking off.

He has had well publicised problems at the club with reports of late arrivals at training and a court appearance before North Cheshire magistrates on a drink-driving charge.

He’s gone public to put his reputation a different light insisting he’s not the bad boy he’s painted by the media and clearly a new start is beckoning a striker with plenty of goals in him.