Sakho deal may change direction

West Brom are set to move in on Diafra Sakho as Sunderland hesitate on making a new offer while Sam Allardyce is involved in talks to become the new England boss.

The Black Cats have lodged one “totally unacceptable bid” with West Ham which amounted to £8 million up front and staged payments up to £12 million if he hit 30 appearances per season.

ClaretandHugh‘s Hammers sources had always considered that a joke bid saying “and they know it” but understanding how Allardyce works they had expected him to return with a new offer.

But with him becoming a heavy favourite to take over the national team. the goalposts have moved.

And West Brom chief Tony Pulis – a known Sakho admirer – would consider a move. We understand he wants £21 million for Saido Berahino.So he’d want £6 million from the Hammers to complete a swap deal involvng Sakho.

We were told: “There is a lot of talk of Baggies owner Jeremy Peace wanting to sell and sees Berahino as somebody who can help him get a better price.

“However, a deal could happen as ‘Sak’ has become a big name in the Preier League over the last couple of years and has real value.”