Kevin Phillips warns of ‘Ridiculous’ Newcastle swoop to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips has warned West Brom that Newcastle United could come in goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in January.
Johnstone, 28, impressed again for England on international duty this month but the ex-Aston Villa goalkeeper is now in the final year of his contract at The Hawthorns and could be on his way on a free transfer next summer.
According to the Express & Star, Southampton are lining up an offer for the England shot-stopper ahead of January.
While Phillips wants to see Johnstone see out the season at the Black Country club, he believes a massive offer for the goalkeeper could turn heads at the Baggies.
Speaking to West Brom News, Phillips said: “If Southampton come in with a stupid offer, sometimes as a football club you’ll look at the business side of it and think, ‘will we get this offer again?’ and you accept it.
“For me, at the end of the day, Sam’s a good player.
“He looks very happy at West Brom but I feel a big club’s going to come in, say a Newcastle. [Martin] Dubravka is a good ‘keeper but if someone comes in with a ridiculous offer and offers him mega-money then sometimes it’s hard for the player to turn it down.
“Naturally, when you’re performing for your country, you’re going to get big clubs sniffing around.
“I hope he stays at West Brom and I think he will stay for the season to help them get promoted.”
Johnstone has earned his first three caps for England this year and hasn’t conceded in any of his appearances for the Three Lions.
He assisted Jack Grealish’s goal against Andorra in the recent international break and has kept five clean sheets in 11 Championship appearances for the Albion this season.
In other West Brom news, this never-before-seen starlet was spotted in training before the Blues game.
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