Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has hit back at West Bromwich Albion's Jeremy Peace over the controversy surrounding Saido Berahino's failed transfer between the two clubs.
The Baggies rebuffed four bids, including two on deadline day, for the 22-year-old during the summer transfer window, leading to Berahino suggesting that he would not play for the club again.
West Brom chairman Peace released a statement criticising Tottenham's "antics" during the negotiations, and Levy has now responded to deny the claims made by his Midlands counterpart.
"We have never, as a club, spoken about another team's players and I am not about to do so now. However, I do want to make a few general points regarding transfers. Firstly, there is hardly a transfer concluded across Europe which doesn't include staged payments," read his statement.
"This is particularly so when significant amounts such as £20m-£30m are involved – players don't come cheaply these days. Secondly, we do not make anything personal. None of the proposals, discussions or negotiations we undertake involve any personal elements or ego – everything we do is in the interest of what is best for our club.
"Thirdly, we never make anything public, particularly in the best interests of the players involved. Making aspects such as transfer requests public is wholly disrespectful to a player."
Meanwhile, Berahino is expected to hold talks with senior figures at West Brom, including manager Tony Pulis, in order to clear the air between the two parties.
Barney Corkhill
