Stoke City boss Gary Rowett has suggested that he is open to keeping Saido Berahino at the bet365 Stadium next season.
Berahino has endured a disappointing 18 months with the Potters, with the former West Bromwich Albion attacker having failed to score in 30 matches in all competitions.
However, Rowett - who has just replaced Paul Lambert - has not ruled out the possibility of the 24-year-old featuring in his first-team squad next season after relegation to the Championship.
The 44-year-old is quoted by The Telegraph as saying: "Saido contacted me straight away in fairness and wanted the opportunity to speak to me so I will do that next week.
"I'm aware of his situation, I'm aware of some of the things he needs and needs to do better and I will view any of those things as a blank canvas.
"But at the same time any of those players will have to do certain things, they will have to fit certain parameters and that they will have to match certain standards for me to have them in the squad for next season."
Berahino still has four years remaining on his contract.
Darren Plant
