Saido Berahino could return to the West Brom side against Stoke at the weekend, despite "upsetting" transfer speculation.
The striker was left out as Albion edged out Port Vale 5-3
on penalties in the Capital One Cup following a forgettable 0-0 draw
after extra-time at The Hawthorns.
The Baggies had rejected a
second bid from Tottenham for Berahino - understood to total £21m with
clauses and instalments - just hours before the game and while assistant
manager Dave Kemp admitted the development had been a distraction, he
could yet return at the Britannia Stadium.
"That's something we can assess between now and then, we'll see what
happens as it unfolds," Kemp said. "Once we get to next Tuesday (the
transfer deadline) it'll be clearer.
"He was considered tonight but there's other stuff. This transfer window is upsetting not just to Saido but to everyone.
"He's
training fine, you can imagine he's a young man and there's a lot going
on and your eye might not be on the ball. You have to be totally
focused to perform.
"The manager has to make a decision."
Salomon Rondon hit the bar in extra-time while Rickie Lambert saw a header cleared off the line and a drive clip the woodwork.
The Baggies laboured to victory with defeat harsh on Vale, who came closest when Louis Dodds dragged wide in the second half.
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