Newcastle refuse to admit defeat in club-record Saido Berahino bid

Reports in the Midlands today claim that Hawthorns chairman Jeremy Peace will not sell the striker to the club as he fears his goals could drag West Brom into relegation trouble.

But the Gazette understands that Newcastle have not yet admitted defeat in their bid to sign the 22-year-old, who does not figure in head coach Tony Pulis' plans.

And Berahino remains the relegation-threatened club's No 1 striking target.

Newcastle will make a last-ditch bid to sign Berahino, valued at around £25million by West Brom, over the next 24 hours, with United owner Mike Ashley having sanctioned a club-record move for him.

Newcastle also have an interest in Chelsea's Loic Remy, while Swansea City's Bafetimbi Gomis is another option.