A shocking report by the Daily Mail has claimed that Saido Berahino served a suspension at West Bromwich Albion after failing a drugs test.

The England Under-21 international is now a Stoke City player after sealing a £12m transfer last month, and the publication reports that the suspension ended before the move was completed.

According to the Daily Mail, Berahino tested positive for a recreational drug during an out-of-competition test, and it has been suggested that the ban took place between September and December.

West Brom boss Tony Pulis told the media that his striker was out of the team due to fitness issues, and was at one point sent to a training camp in France to deal with weight problems.

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The Mail reports that Stoke were aware of the alleged failed drugs test before they sealed his signature.

Berahino reportedly told the Football Association at the time that there were extenuating circumstances around the positive test.

The 23-year-old had a difficult few years at the Baggies, initially refusing to play for them again after the club denied him a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Berahino was eventually welcomed back into the team, but he struggled for form and failed to hold down a regular starting spot.

The forward made his Stoke debut in Wednesday night's 1-1 draw with Everton at the Bet365 Stadium.

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