Reported Leeds United target Sam Johnstone has been acknowledged by his West Bromwich Albion teammates as the best player for the club this season.
West Brom, who have been relegated from the Premier League, have announced on their official website today that Johnstone has been named “Stanley Black & Decker Players’ Player of the Year by his teammates“.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper has also been “voted the Ideal Heating Supporters’ Player of the Year by Baggies fans”.
This comes on the day when England head coach Gareth Southgate included Johnstone in his provisional 33-man England squad for the European Championship this summer.
Yet more reason for Leeds to try to bring the goalkeeper – described as “outstanding” by Tottenham Hotspur legend Gary Lineker on Twitter in March – to Elland Road…
The Daily Mail reported last month that Leeds are among the clubs who are interested in Johnstone, who is valued at £18 million by West Brom.
With the Baggies having been relegated, it is unlikely that they will be able to keep Johnstone next season.
Illan Meslier is the first-choice goalkeeper at Leeds, and while Kiko Casilla is a capable back-up, Johnstone would actually push the French youngster even more.
Meanwhile, former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has said that Leeds could suffer a second season syndrome like Sheffield United did.
Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT (8:40am, May 24, 2021): “But next season is a big season for them, Sheffield United finished ninth last season so there’s a bit of a coincidence there.
“You never know what can happen, second season syndrome can always happen to teams so they’ve got to start the season off well.””
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