Steve Bruce faces up to transfer dilemma which will be 'crucial' for West Brom

Steve Bruce is expected to make a call on the immediate future of West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Josh Griffiths in the near future, amid strong interest from League One side Portsmouth. Griffiths, 20, has spent the last two years out on loan at Cheltenham Town - where he won the League Two title - and then, last season at Lincoln City.

Griffiths, who now has international recognition having been called up to England U21s’ Euros squad early last year, returned to Albion this summer with an injury, but with almost 100 senior appearances to his name. Back in training for pre-season along with David Button, Alex Palmer and Ted Cann, under the watchful eye of Gary Walsh, his future must be decided.

As mentioned, Pompey are keen. Boss Danny Cowley is on the look-out for a new number one after last season’s loanee, Gavin Bazunu, was sold by parent club Manchester City to their south coast rivals Southampton. For ex-Lincoln and Huddersfield Town boss Cowley, Griffiths would appear to fit the bill.

Bruce, who has no immediate intention to recruit another number one after losing England keeper Sam Johnstone on a free at the end of last season following the expiry of his contract, is pleased with his existing options but equally he is eager to ensure that Griffiths’ development continues and that his progress isn’t flat-lined.

That could well mean another loan for the stopper who still has three years left on his existing deal, though Bruce is half minded to keep a close eye on him in pre-season and decide at a later date whether or not to permit Griffiths to challenge Button and Palmer for a place in next season’s match-day squad.

“I’m very happy with them two [Button and Palmer],” Bruce pointed out. “Button is in charge of it at