Saido Berahino absent from FA Cup tie 'because of bug'

Berahino has scored three goals this season

West Brom manager Tony Pulis said striker Saido Berahino's absence from the FA Cup third-round replay against Bristol City was down to a stomach bug.

Berahino, 22, has not started for the club since the end of October and has been linked with a move in January.

Asked about reports of an £18m transfer to Newcastle, Pulis said: "The first thing to say is the valuation will be determined by the chairman.

"I was going to play Saido but he's not been well. He's picked up a bug."

The Welshman, whose team progressed to the fourth round after a 1-0 win, said striker Rickie Lambert and a few other members of the squad had been unwell in recent weeks.

"We want to keep Saido if we can," said Pulis of a player who threatened to strike earlier this season after the club rejected transfer bids.

Tottenham made two offers on 1 September - transfer deadline day - and in the wake of Albion's refusal to let him leave the striker has so far had a disappointing season, scoring three goals.