West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce has admitted that Sam Johnstone is likely to leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.
The England goalkeeper is highly unlikely to agree to an extension with the Baggies with several Premier League clubs interested in his signature. Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the favourites to get him on a free transfer, while a return to Manchester United has also been mooted. Newcastle United are also reportedly interested.
Bruce now seems fully resigned to losing the 28-year-old this summer, but insists that West Brom are still "blessed" in the goalkeeping department heading into next season. The club currently have David Button and Alex Palmer on the books, and Josh Griffiths, 20, is considered one for the future.
Button, a highly experienced player in the Championship who previously won promotion with Fulham, would be the likely candidate to succeed Johnstone as the number one next season if he were to extend his contract, which also expires this year. Bruce revealed that negotiations are ongoing with the 33-year-old and he is "hopeful" an agreement can be reached.
Palmer, who spent last season on loan with Lincoln City, has one year left on his current deal with the club and will fight for the starting berth next season. The 25-year-old played two matches for Luton Town this season on an emergency loan.
“The likelihood is that Sam is going to leave,” Bruce said after Saturday's disappointing defeat to Stoke City. “But I have seen enough of the kid (Palmer) and Button has played enough for me to know he is a very, very decent goalkeeper.
“I am quite happy with him and we are in discussions with him now over next year, and I hope that could be fruitful. We are
Read more on msn.com
msn.com
