‘Going to leave’: Manager thinks his ‘outstanding’ player will depart for free; Tottenham are ‘favourites’ to sign him

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Steve Bruce has all but confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur target Sam Johnstone will leave West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer this summer.

Spurs will be on the market for a new goalkeeper. Hugo Lloris has extended his deal and he’ll be the undisputed number one. However, Pierluigi Gollini is set to return to Atalanta, which opens the door for a new shot-stopper to come in.

Tottenham have a lot to do this summer and it won’t be easy to set aside a big fee for a backup goalkeeper. That’s probably why they are keen to sign Johnstone, who will be a free agent at the end of this season.

West Brom boss Bruce has now revealed that he expects the Englishman to move on instead of signing a new deal at the Hawthorns.

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Steve Bruce: Tottenham-linked Sam Johnstone is going to leave on a free transfer

Johnstone, branded as ‘outstanding’ by Glenn Hoddle, was absolutely incredible for the Baggies in the Premier League last season. Even though West Brom got relegated, the 29-year-old caught everyone’s eye and it even looked likely that he would be on the move last summer.

West Brom managed to retain his services year, but it looks like they have given up now.

Bruce said, as per Birmingham Live: “The likelihood is that Sam is going to leave. 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.

“We’re probably going to lose our biggest asset (Johnstone) on a Bosman, which is not great for everybody.”

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Spurs are the favourites to sign the West Brom man

Tottenham have turned their season around under Antonio Conte and it really does look like they will finish inside the top four at the end of this season.

The summer transfer window will be a crucial one and although a new goalkeeper is by no means the priority, they need one. Tottenham journalist Alasdair Gold revealed not too long ago that Spurs are the ‘favourites’ to sign Johnstone from West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer.

“It’s a sensible transfer that Spurs are looking to do, 29-years-old, England international, available on a free. From what I understand, Spurs are favourites to get it done, but, of course, nothing can be signed until May for any domestic free transfers,” he said on the Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham Podcast.

“From what I understand, he’s on a list of three or four names for that backup goalkeeping role, and Spurs are in pole position to bring him in.”

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