West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis admits he was protecting Saido Berahino on Sunday.

The 22-year-old striker did not make the Baggies' match-day squad for the eventual 3-2 loss to ten-man Chelsea at The Hawthorns after being unsettled by further transfer talk.

Berahino is the subject of offers from Tottenham, while other clubs are also showing interest, and Pulis felt it was in the best interests of the youngster not to play against reigning champions Chelsea.

"Why are we talking about Saido today? We're talking about Saido because of the transfer window," said Pulis.

"Everybody here today should be talking about the game and this wouldn't be an issue. It can be disruptive and has been.

"He is fine, there's no problems but it's the transfer window which causes the problems. He needs to be protected, there's loads of stuff going on in his mind, no just one club but 15 clubs. No-one should have this problem."