Saido Berahino holds talks with Stoke board over lack of first-team opportunities
Saido Berahino has held talks with the Stoke board over his future, with the club insisting he will not be allowed out on loan.
Berahino is growing frustrated over a lack of first-team chances under Mark Hughes and is understood to have met with the hierarchy to discuss his situation.
The £12m signing is still waiting for his first Stoke goal and has failed to appear for the club since November 4, despite their struggles in the Premier League.
Berahino is keen to play regularly but Stoke have reassured him he will have a chance under Hughes, also blocking a potential loan move when the transfer window opens next month.
The 24-year-old has been an unused substitute in five of the last six games yet Hughes said he will be given chances over the busy Christmas period.
He said: “He’s very much in my plans, there’s no doubt about that. He’s probably a little bit frustrated because guys who are out of the team want to come in and do well and help their teammates.
“We’ve got a squad of players where each and every one of them have that mentality. Saido is ready if he needs to be called upon.”
While Berahino’s future at the bet365 Stadium appears secure, the club are ready to move on from former England defender Glen Johnson.
Stoke could even terminate Johnson’s contract in January and let him leave on a free transfer, following the 33-year-old’s exile from the first-team squad.
Johnson signed a new contract last summer but has not featured since the 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth on October 21.
Stoke face West Ham - and former player Marko Arnautovic - at home on Saturday with Hughes under pressure after four defeats in the last five games.
