West Brom face stiff competition for Max Johnston transfer as Portugal news emerges
West Brom may have been blown out of the water in their quest to sign Max Johnston after Sporting Lisbon’s reported interest in signing the Motherwell youngster.
After the Baggies’ Championship season and lingering playoff hopes were brought to a close following a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Swansea City, all eyes are now set on the upcoming transfer window to see the calibre of personnel the club can sign.
One player who West Brom have held an interest in, along with the likes of Burnley, Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers, is Motherwell right-back, Johnston.
The Scottish Sun reported last month (3 April) that the Baggies were one of several clubs who were monitoring the progress of the defender, heading to Easter Road to scout him in April.
However, if West Brom held any lingering hopes of signing the teenager this summer, they might well have been dashed due to the emergence of Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, who are “keen to land” him this summer. [Daily Record, 8 May]
Johnston, 19, has shone since returning to Fir Park in the January transfer window following a loan spell at Cove Rangers, scoring two goals and providing six assists in all competitions this season.
The teenager, who has already won two caps for the Scotland Under-21s, is out of contract with Motherwell at the end of the season and reportedly looks increasingly unlikely to sign an extension.
Currently, West Brom have limited options at right-back, with Darnell Furlong the only out-and-out option at Corberan’s disposal.
Although Taylor Gardner-Hickman can play in this role when required, the Spaniard manager has enjoyed fielding the 21-year-old in a midfield position this term.
Johnston ticks almost every box on paper for West Brom, but they may rue their inability to secure Premier League football when looking at the Champions League opposition involved in the potential transfer race.
In other West Brom news, here is how we rated the players for their performances in the 3-2 defeat to Swansea City.