Stoke have reportedly moved ahead of Leicester and Crystal Palace in the race to sign Saido Berahino by opening talks with West Brom over a deal.

The former England U21 striker is set to leave the Hawthorns this summer and is a target for several Premier League clubs.

Leicester and Crystal Palace are both said to be monitoring Berahino’s situation but the Baggies have begun talks over a £15m deal.

The Daily Telegraph say negotiations between the two clubs are underway and that Stoke boss Mark Hughes has identified the 22-year-old as a top target.

Last summer Berahino appeared to be heading to Tottenham only for West Brom to reject multiple bids from the London club.

Berahino endured a frustrating season last year, only scoring five league goals in 31 games.

Wandsworth Times: