West Brom were right not to sell Saido Berahino to Newcastle, insists ex-Toon chief

That’s the view of former Magpies supremo Freddy Shepherd after the Baggies rejected a £21million deadline day bid for the striker.

Newcastle were keen to add the England Under-21 star to their squad, with Berahino having fallen out of favour at the Hawthorns.

But given West Brom are still not safe from relegation themselves, there was a reluctance on their behalf to sell to a rival.

When asked if he believed that was the reason Berahino not joining Newcastle, Shepherd said: “Definitely – that was the reason Jeremy Peace kept him, there’s no doubt about that.

“Due to West Brom’s financial position, he’d have definitely sold him if he could have but not in the position they’re in (the table) at the moment.

“I think if West Brom were in a different position (in the table), they’d have definitely sold him.

“But Jeremy’s done the right thing.

“He’s a very cool guy and he’s definitely done the right thing (in not selling Berahino).”