Boss Tony Pulis has told Saido Berahino to focus on his job at West Brom and forget any transfer talk.
The Baggies rejected a bid for the striker from Tottenham this week but he is expected to face Chelsea on Sunday.
Pulis has been open in his praise for the England Under-21 forward, who scored 20 goals last season to earn a call up to Roy Hodgson’s senior side.
And, ahead of Sunday’s visit of the Barclays Premier League champions, the Baggies head coach wants him to concentrate on Chelsea.
“I just had a chat with him on the pitch when we were training on Monday or Tuesday and told him what I thought,” he said.
“I told him not to get wrapped up in all the hype, concentrate on his football and let the other people deal with the stuff that’s going on because he can’t affect it.
“He’s a young lad and he might need some protection, we will see.
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“He has handled it very well at the moment.
“The only advice I’ve given him is to concentrate on his football and try to improve himself as a footballer.
“God has given him a great gift and he can’t waste it.
“Lots of people have done that in the past and I just hope he’s not one of them.”
But Pulis reiterated the Baggies were unlikely to reject a monster bid for the 22-year-old after turning down Tottenham’s first approach.
“I want to keep him and the club want to keep him but it’s market forces,” he said.
“I’m sure Tottenham wanted to keep Bale and Manchester United wanted to keep Ronaldo so I’m not stupid enough to say ‘I’m not doing this’ or ‘I’m not doing that’.
“Never say never, especially in football. I understand what goes on.”
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