Sam Johnstone to Southampton: What do we know so far? Is a transfer likely to happen?

West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is out of contract with the Baggies this summer and has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Tottenham and Southampton. 

What do we know so far?

The Saints have been interested in the keeper for quite some time going back to before the January transfer window.

Johnstone has already expressed his desire to play in the Premier League again and he is almost certain to leave West Brom this summer.

Southampton were said to be monitoring his situation but no transfer happened in January with West Brom reluctant to let him go halfway through the season.

Is a transfer likely to happen?

As it stands, there is now interest from more teams which could make this a bit of a harder deal to get over the line for Southampton.

According to The Sun, as of last week Tottenham were confident they are in pole position for securing the services of the 29-year-old.

They also reported that whilst Southampton were still interested in the player, they were also looking at other targets in this position too.

With all of Southampton’s current goalkeepers out of contract this summer, this is something they will have to be looking at as a matter of urgency.

Tottenham would of course be a big move but with Hugo Lloris currently first choice at the club, Johnstone will have to decide whether he wants to wait for his chance or go straight into a starting line-up now.

Johnstone has kept 15 clean sheets in 36 league appearances this season so it’s no wonder he’s got admirers.

However, where he might go this summer is still very much wide open and may come down to what the goalkeeper himself wants next season in terms of how regularly he wants to be playing.

Source