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

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.