The Eagles are ready to launch a £20million bid for the want-away striker but, even though that is enough, the Baggies will not agree a deal until they have lined up his replacement.

Berahino, who still has one year left on his contract, is one of just three first-team strikers currently at the disposal of head coach Tony Pulis.

As if to emphasise his importance to the Baggies, he scored both goals in a 2-1 pre-season win over Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday.

Chairman Peace has been actively seeking to sell the club for over a year and has been speaking to interested parties this summer.

He keeps his cards close to his chest, but it's believed that a deal agreeing to a Chinese takeover is edging closer.

However, the Express & Star understands the chairman does not wish to rush into any sale and reports of the potential new owner's wealth have been overestimated.

Berahino rejected a bumper four-year contract a week ago and is eager to leave the Baggies. But he's accepted that it might not happen this summer.

Diafra Sakho refused to go on West Ham's pre-season tour to Austria and has handed in a transfer request.

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Although West Brom are interested, they are still yet to make a bid for the 26-year-old and it's believed they are now looking elsewhere.

Matt Phillips completed 90 minutes in an Albion shirt for the first time on Saturday.

"I enjoyed it," said Phillips. "I thought we played well, some good stuff at times, but the main thing was getting 90 minutes under our belts."

The new winger is looking forward to building partnerships with Berahino and Salomon Rondon.

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He added: "It's exciting. There were a couple of times when we got the ball we linked up well. If we can get something going regularly, we can be a real threat."

Albion are yet to hear back from Leicester City after making a £9million bid for left-back Jeffrey Schlupp.

They turned to the 23-year-old Ghana international after being frustrated in their attempts to land Leeds defender Charlie Taylor.