Manchester United are currently well stocked in the goalkeeping department with the likes of David De Gea and Sergio Romero plying trades in their prime. So Jose Mourinho might feel the need to offload Sam Johnstone, who has been in much demand after the last season.
The Portuguese gaffer loaned the player to Aston Villa as Steve Bruce’s side were lagging way behind in the Championship. The youngster had a pretty decent season at the Midlands and his performances have attracted a number of suitors with West Bromwich Albion being the frontrunners.
On the back of his show, the 24-year-old will be searching for some first team game time which is quite natural but Manchester United have a settled pair in this department and will surely allow him to move on.
There have been speculations regarding David De Gea’s place in the side next season, as Real Madrid are adamant to persuade the player back to Madrid. But Los Blancos have now turned their back from the transfer which will further smoothen Johnstone’s move from Old Trafford.
A number of clubs have been engaged in a battle regarding Johnstone’s transfer. Aston Villa has been trying to rekindle their interest in the player. Due to some stiff regulations, Villa saw their budget reduced astronomically but with this one position, Bruce does not want to negotiate.
Huddersfield Town have also expressed their interest in the player as David Wagner wants a young keeper to deputise between the goals.
Johnstone is currently the fourth choice in the United ranks as Joel Pereira has emerged as the new third choice keeper under Mourinho. Newly appointed Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk wants a permanent deal for the player and is ready to offer in excess of £3m for his services.
Johnstone’s representatives at James Grant Sports said: “Sam has a number of options and is considering them all at this moment in time.”
The Baggies currently only have Ben Foster and Boaz Myhill as shot stoppers but the latter might leave the club after having a handful of minutes on the pitch, which has led Tony Pulis to intensify his search for a new face under the bar.
Johnstone has ample of experience as he had some lengthy spells at Scunthorpe United, Walsall, Doncaster United, Oldham Athletic and Yeovil Town. He has fallen in the pecking order and a chance to stay in the Premier League might tempt him for a move. So West Brom should act quickly to get this deal done this summer.
