Joselu not afraid of Berahino deal

Joselu has sent a strong message to potential Stoke City signing Saido Berahino by insisting he is ready to hit the ground running this season and build on his first year in the Potteries.

The Spaniard joined from Hannover last summer and scored four times in his first Premier League campaign, as Mark Hughes rotated him with Mame Diouf, Jonathan Walters and Bojan in attack.

West Brom striker Berahino has been a Stoke target all summer and it looked like the move would accelerate with the Baggies poised to sign West Ham’s Diafra Sakho.

However, the Sakho deal collapsed this week following the player’s medical, leaving Berahino’s move in limbo.

But Joselu would welcome the Englishman and says it would not impact his place in the squad.

“I make my work every week to start the games at the weekend,” he said.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

“Stoke sign players, it’s not my problem because all teams sign players.

“I work hard every week and try to play at the weekend and, of course, I want to play more than last year, but the manager makes the decision.”

The 26-year-old admits he found the transition to the physical English game tough to deal with at first, but claims he learnt quickly and is ready to make the spot up front his own.

“I want to play and I want to win the games. I know if I play well and the team plays well, the goals come after,” he said.

“The first couple of months I know is difficult because it is a new club for me, a new country and a new Premier League.

“But I think I finish the season well and I understand the league. I feel good here and also in the Premier League. I like it.

“I wait for the start of my second year in the Premier League because I feel I have more experience here and that is important.”