Ben Foster has been the first name on the team-sheet at West Bromwich Albion for years…but not if Sam Johnstone arrives from Manchester United.
Ben Foster has been pretty much an ever-present for West Bromwich Albion since joining from Manchester United back in 2011/12.
Alan Pardew is the sixth manager at the helm since Foster arrived at The Hawthorns but, while each coach has brought with him his own style of play and tactical system, they are all united in picking the former England goalkeeper week-in-week out.
But after six years as the club’s undisputed number one, is Foster finally about to face more daunting competition than the perennial understudy Boaz Myhill?
According to The Mirror, West Brom are keen to land Sam Johnstone from Manchester United in January in a £5million deal and are prepared to go head-to-head with Premier League rivals West Ham United and Crystal Palace.
24-year-old Johnstone is currently starring on loan at West Brom’s Midland rivals Aston Villa, his virtuoso performances ensuring Steve Bruce’s side will go into the Christmas schedule in promotion contention
The report adds that Villa want to keep Johnstone on a permanent basis but, thanks to Financial Fair Play, will be unable to match West Brom’s £5million offer.
And, in even more intriguing news, The Mirror claimed earlier this week that the agent of Porto goalkeeper and Spain legend Iker Casillas has contacted The Baggies over a potential move to England for the veteran stopper.
If West Brom complete one of these exciting deals in January, Foster’s place will no longer be looking so secure.
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