Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes that West Bromwich Albion have always had a plan in place should Sam Johnstone leave and were fully accepting that he was going to go in the summer.
The England international was linked with a move away from the Hawthorns in the summer with Birmingham Live reporting on West Ham’s interest in the player.
Do you think Sam Johnstone will depart West Brom in Janaury?
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Despite staying at West Brom beyond the August 31 transfer deadline, Hatfield believes that the Baggies were fully accepting that he was going to depart the club during the summer.
“I think the plan was always in place with Albion. They were fully accepting that he was going to go in the summer. They were fully aware that his performances not only for club, but international level would have garnered interest,” Hatfield told TIF.
The 28-year-old has made more than 140 appearances during his spell with West Brom and with his current contract expiring in June 2022 there have been further reports on interest in the shot-stopper.
Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge told givemesport that Johnstone had been on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur and the Sun also reported that Southampton have an interest in the goalkeeper.
With a number of clubs keen on his signature, interested parties may have to move quickly in January to fend off the competition and land Johnstone.