Saido Berahino has officially informed West Bromwich Albion he now intends to see out the final year of his contract.

Berahino is a target for Crystal Palace and Stoke, but the Baggies are yet to sanction a transfer for the striker.

But the protracted saga has taken yet another twist after the forward informed West Brom officials that he now wants to see out the 10 months of his current £15,000-per-week deal before leaving on a lucrative free transfer next season.

Saido Berahino wants to run down his contract at West Bromwich Albion and leave on a free

The 23-year-old forward rejected the offer of a new deal and told club officials of his plans

Berahino was keen to move to Tottenham last summer but West Brom blocked the move

The forward wants to avoid a repeat of last summer's transfer saga between Tottenham and West Brom which ended in Berahino staying at the Hawthorns, despite the player making it clear he was keen on a switch to London.

Berahino does not want to be in the same position going into the new season and is now prepared to stay at the Hawthorns to ensure he's fully focussed on the season ahead.

Berahino formally rejected a new West Brom contract last month.

Mark Hughes is interested in signing Berahino for Stoke while Crystal Palace are also keen

Clubs from Spain and Germany are also believed to be interested in signing Berahino

It remains to be seen whether Berahino will see through his threat to stay until the end of the season.

Nevertheless, the development, at the very least, opens up the very real possibility of West Brom losing Berahino for nothing during the summer of 2017.

Berahino can sign a potentially lucrative pre-contract agreement with an overseas club from January; and it is understood clubs from Spain and Germany have already expressed an interest.