Allardyce hopes West Brom can fend off Leeds United interest in Johnstone
Sam Allardyce believes West Brom will do all they can to keep Leeds United target Sam Johnstone at The Hawthorns this summer.
The 28-year old goalkeeper has earned a number of admirers due to his performances for the Baggies this season, with Gareth Southgate rewarding his form with an England call-up last month.
Johnstone has played a major role in Albion’s attempted escape from relegation, however the shot-stopper shouldn’t be blamed for failing to keep the club in the top flight.
The Athletic reported earlier this month that Leeds were one of several possible destinations for Johnstone this summer, with Tottenham, Manchester United and West Ham also reportedly having expressed an interest. In December, the Sun also claimed he was on the Yorkshire club’s radar.
Allardyce however, as quoted by the Express & Star, has attempted to dash those hopes by claiming that West Brom hope to keep the goalkeeper at the Hawthorns in spite of their inevitable relegation.
Allardyce said: “We can only discuss [Johnstone’s future] when we have secured our position as a Premier League club.
“That would mean discussion from the hierarchy at the club and look at what they can do with Sam’s contract and try to persuade him to stay.
“As usual, business is business. Whatever happens can only be decided then, but I think the club would do their very best to keep him.”
Though Johnstone wouldn’t be the first-choice goalkeeper at Elland Road, Leeds view the former Manchester United and Aston Villa man as an ideal candidate to support Illan Meslier next season.
Current back-up goalkeeper Kiko Casilla is expected to depart the club when the summer transfer window opens and Johnstone, who Gary Lineker really described as ‘sensational‘, has been earmarked as an ideal player to bring to Thorp Arch.
West Brom understandably wish to keep the player, with his performances this season having proved impressive, however they may find that difficult if they are unable to avoid relegation.
Johnstone played Championship football for several seasons with both Aston Villa and Albion, and now that he’s made it into the top flight as a regular starter it doesn’t seem likely that he’d be willing to take a step back down.
Ultimately it all comes down to how much actual interest there is in his services this summer and how much West Brom would demand for him. However if Leeds did decide to make a move, Johnstone would be a more than competent deputy.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay drops big Raphinha update ahead of the Whites’ clash against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon