West Bromwich Albion want Chelsea goalkeeper Nathan Baxter as a replacement for the potentially Tottenham-bound Sam Johnstone, as reported by TEAMtalk.
You won’t find many England internationals plying their trade in the Championship.
On paper, then, Johnstone will not be an easy man to replace, with Baggies boss Steve Bruce confirming that the 29-year-old shot-stopper is set to depart when his contract expires in July (Birmingham Mail).
According to The Sun, Tottenham are confident of sealing a deal that will see Johnstone provide competition for Hugo Lloris between the sticks under Antonio Conte next term.
Avid West Brom watchers will tell you, however, that Johnstone’s form this season is not nearly as impressive as it was in the last one. One of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers in 2020/21, mistakes have crept into Johnstone’s game during West Brom’s worst league season since the turn of the Century.
And, according to TEAMtalk, the Midland giants have identified one of the most talented young shot-stoppers in the whole of the EFL as Johnstone’s successor.
Johnstone out, Baxter in?
A 23-year-old still contracted to Chelsea, Baxter shone on loan at Accrington last term and has maintained his rapid rate of progression at Hull City. Replacing Johnstone at the Hawthorns would be the biggest test of Baxter’s young career but he has the talent and the character to step up to the mark.
The London-born ‘keeper has not given up hope of a future at Stamford Bridge. But he did admit earlier in the campaign that he would be ‘open’ to leaving the reigning European Champions for a club willing to hand him regular first-team football.
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“I still have ambitions to play for Chelsea,” Baxter explains. “That’s been my dream since the age of seven when I joined the club.
“If and when that decision is made, obviously (leaving permanently) is something that I’m open to.”
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