Spurs have green light to swoop for player Hoddle has called 'outstanding'

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with West Brom’s Sam Johnstone in recent months.

Antonio Conte reportedly wants more competition for Hugo Lloris, who recently penned a new deal at N17.

Pierluigi Gollini, Tottenham’s second-choice keeper, is only on loan at the club.

He looks unlikely to stay beyond the summer.

Meanwhile, Johnstone will leave The Hawthorns at the end of the season once his contract expires.

On Friday, Baggies boss Steve Bruce confirmed that the 6ft 4in stopper has decided not to pen fresh terms.

He also suggested Johnstone has played his final game for Albion as the coach starts to plan for next season.

“He’s decided not to sign his contract”

“I’ve had a word with Sam,” The Mirror quotes Bruce as saying.

“Sam looks as if he’s decided to let his contract run down and that is his prerogative.

“We haven’t been able to get him a deal, so I’ll have a look at Button and see how he does.

“With five games left, it’s only right that David plays.

“Sam’s been a great servant to this club but we have to accept that he’s decided not to sign his contract and we wish him the best of luck.

“So it’s important we give Dave the gloves and see how he does.

“He has bags of experience. He has been round the block and played 339 games in his career.”

With Johnstone an England international proven at Premier League level, it’s not surprising he reportedly wants to return to the top flight.

West Brom still have an outside chance of promotion, sitting five points from the Championship’s top six.

But with Johnstone unlikely to play again, he can concentrate on finding a new club.

Tottenham should get the ball rolling right away in a bid to beat the likes of Manchester United to his signature.

In January last year, Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle waxed lyrical about the 29-year-old in the Evening Standard.

“I really like Sam Johnstone, the goalkeeper at West Brom,” he wrote.

“I think he is ready for one of the top six clubs to go and get him.

“I’ve seen him four times this year and he has been outstanding.

“If West Brom can get out of the hole they are in, he could be the one to save them.”