'One of the best' keepers dropped from matchday squad amid Spurs rumours

Tottenham Hotspur were linked with Sam Johnstone ahead of the January transfer window.

TEAMtalk reported in late December that Spurs were considering making a move in the New Year.

However, Tottenham aren’t the only club apparently eyeing Johnstone.

As well as Spurs, the likes of Newcastle, Leeds and Rangers are also reportedly in the race.

Johnstone’s West Brom contract expires at the end of the season.

And the 28-year-old has made clear his intention to play in the Premier League next term.

“I see the [transfer] speculation and there’s nothing I can do about it,” he recently said.

“It’s out of my control but I want to be back playing in the Premier League.”

Johnstone is seemingly waiting to see what division West Brom will be next year in before deciding on his future.

However, some Baggies fans have now been left fearing that his transfer exit could come this month.

On Wednesday, Johnstone was a surprise omission from the matchday squad in the defeat against Preston.

The England international will also miss Saturday’s clash with Millwall.

“We had a matter, an issue in the squad and have solved the problem,” said West Brom boss Valerien Ismael.

“He was not in the squad tonight and he will not be in the squad on Saturday but after that he will be involved. It will stay internal.”

“Right up there”

At present, Tottenham have Hugo Lloris as first-choice and Atalanta loanee Pierluigi Gollini as his deputy.

While Spurs’ goalkeeping selection isn’t particularly high priority at present, nobody could overlook a player of Johnstone’s calibre.

The 6ft 4in ace enjoyed a superb Premier League campaign for West Brom last season despite their relegation.

Johnstone made a massive 166 saves last season, the most of any Premier League keeper.

Without him, the Baggies have probably gone down a lot quicker.

Gareth Southgate rewarded Johnstone with a spot in the Three Lions squad for Euro 2020.

Sam Allardyce previously said to talkSPORT about him following a 1-1 draw with Liverpool: “He’s one of the best.

“He’s right up there at the right level and he’d already saved more shots than anybody before yesterday.”