West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis has warned in-demand striker Saido Berahino to ignore speculation linking him with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Berahino is expected to face Chelsea at The Hawthorns on Sunday in a week that has seen the Baggies reject Spurs' £18m bid for the 21-year-old marksman.
Despite the speculation, Pulis says that the England international has coped well with the spotlight, but fears that leaving Albion too early could see the youngster waste his 'God-given gift'.
"I just had a chat with him on the pitch when we were training on Monday or Tuesday and told him what I thought," Pulis is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "I told him not to get wrapped up in all the hype, concentrate on his football and let the other people deal with the stuff that's going on because he can't affect it.
"He's a young lad and he might need some protection, we will see. He has handled it very well at the moment. The only advice I've given him is to concentrate on his football and try to improve himself as a footballer.
"God has given him a great gift and he can't waste it. Lots of people have done that in the past and I just hope he's not one of them."
Berahino netted 20 goals in an impressive breakthrough season last term.
Shane Callaghan
