Manchester United are eyeing up a reunion with England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone this summer.
But they are likely to face stern competition from Premier League top-four rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Reports from Sky Sports suggest that United are interested in re-signing the stopper, whose contract with West Bromwich Albion expires in the summer. Johnstone spent seven years at United but never made a senior appearance before signing for the Baggies in 2018.
Spurs, who are in direct competition with United and a clutch of other clubs chasing fourth place, are also name-checked as being admirers of the 29-year-old. Baggies' boss Steve Bruce sounded unconvinced that Johnstone would be at the Hawthorns beyond this season.
“The likelihood is that Sam is going to leave,” Bruce said after West Brom's loss to Stoke last weekend effectively killed any lingering Championship play-off hopes.
“But I have seen enough of the kid (Alex Palmer) and (David) Button has played enough for me to know he is a very, very decent goalkeeper. I am quite happy with him and we are in discussions with him now over next year, and I hope that could be fruitful. We are blessed in that department. The way I think at the moment is to let those two go head-to-head."
Last month Bruce admitted he was resigned to losing Johnstone, saying: “We’re probably going to lose our biggest asset on a Bosman (free transfer), which is not great for everybody."
Should Johnstone, who has three senior England caps, elect to return back to Old Trafford it could move his Three Lions' rival Dean Henderson a step closer to the exit door.
Henderson signed a big-money contract in 2020 after stellar form in back-to-back loan spells at Sheffield United. But he has been starved of action this season, playing just three times in three different cup competitions. He was linked with a January move to Newcastle but nothing came of it. Speaking recently to United's website, the 25-year-old admits he is frustrated at not being able to build a rapport with the fans. All 13 of his top flight appearances for the Red Devils came behind closed doors.
He said: "I love playing in front of the supporters. Wherever I've been, I've always built up good relationships with them because I think they can help on a Saturday as much as we can help each other. I think they can become the 12th man. Unfortunately, at this moment in time, I've not yet had the opportunity here (in the Premier League at Old Trafford) because we had Covid last year. It's been a shame and that is something that grinds on me.
"I believe I can have an unbelievable relationship with the Manchester United fans, but until that day comes, I'll keep working hard in the background. One day, I'll build that rapport with them and kick on."
