Newcastle "Willing To Break Transfer Record" For Sought-After Striker

Newcastle United are "willing to break their transfer record" in order to beat Tottenham Hotspur to the signature of Saido Berahino, according to reports. West Bromwich Albion want £20 million for the England Under-21 international and The Express claim an "exclusive" that the Magpies would be willing to pay a hefty fee in order to lure Berahino to Tyneside. If the Magpies did firm up their reported interest in the forward - who netted 20 goals in 45 games last season - then it would prove owner Mike Ashley€™s promise that he intends to continue to invest significantly this summer was not just hot air.

With 10 goals in 13 England U21 internationals - and having been called into Roy Hodgson€™s senior squad without yet making his debut - Berahino is one of the hottest prospects in English football right now. The pacey forward is an exquisite finisher and his abilities on the pitch are undoubted but he has suffered from off-field problems. Berahino was suspended from driving for 12 months and given a £3,400 fine in January after admitting to a charge of drunk-driving last October. Having come up through the youth ranks at West Brom, Berahino enjoyed loan spells at Northampton Town, Brentford and Peterborough United before breaking into the Baggies first team. He has a career record of 41 goals from 114 appearances to date. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.