Newcastle made statement with 'ambitious' Berahino bid

West Brom striker Saido Berahino Credit: Jon Buckle/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Newcastle United were 'making a statement' with the club's deadline day bid for West Brom striker Saido Berahino, according to Steve McClaren.

After an initial approach was rejected over the weekend, the Magpies made a reported £24 million move for the unsettled England international on Monday, which was also dismissed by the Baggies. But had it been successful, the offer would have been a club-record bid.

Speaking a day after the January transfer window closed, Newcastle's Head Coach said the bid was 'ambitious' and 'would have been a bonus' had a deal been struck for Berahino. He said:

Despite missing out on signing Berahino, McClaren said he was happy with Newcastle's business during the transfer window.

The club were the Premier League's highest net spenders, splashing a reported £29 million on four players including Andros Townsend, Jonjo Shelvey, Henri Saivet and Seydou Doumbia.

Newcastle United's January transfers

  • Jonjo Shelvey - £12m - Swansea City

  • Andros Townsend - £12m - Tottenham Hotspur

  • Henri Saivet - £5m - Bordeaux

  • Seydou Doumbia - Loan - Roma

McClaren 'delighted' with January deals:

Everton v Newcastle United

Newcastle travel to Goodison Park to face Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday night. England winger Andros Townsend could make his debut for the club but Ivorian striker Seydou Doumbia is still waiting to be granted a visa and may be unavailable.