Southampton have reportedly joined the race to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone next summer, should he decide to move on.
The Lowdown: Johnstone stays put
The England international was a standout performer for the Baggies last season, catching the eye despite his team’s relegation from the Premier League.
Although numerous reports linked Johnstone with a summer exit and a return to the top-flight, he has ended up staying at West Brom, acting as a huge boost to their promotion charge.
The Latest: Saints keen on signing
According to The Athletic, however, Southampton are interested in signing the 28-year-old next summer, seeing him as strong competition for Alex McCarthy.
The situation could change if the Baggies are promoted from the Championship and Saints go down, but that remains to be seen.
The Verdict: Promotion required
In truth, Valerien Ismael’s side will need to go up this season if Johnstone is to realistically stay put for another year.
He is someone who will want to be plying his trade at the top level, especially considering he was part of England’s Euro 2020 squad, hailed as ‘magnificent’ by former Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce last season.
It would be hard to begrudge Johnstone an exit next summer if promotion doesn’t materialise, but the current signs are good, with Ismael’s side sitting second in the Championship table.
In other news, a journalist has provided an injury update on one West Brom player. Find out who it is here.