Reported Leeds United and West Ham United target Sam Johnstone is set to be a last minute inclusion in the England squad.
The Sun report that the West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper will be called into Gareth Southgate’s team, which will be announced later today, after an injury to Nick Pope.
The update looks like great news for Johnstone who has enjoyed a brilliant season, and has attracted the attentions of both Leeds and West Ham.
ESPN have claimed that David Moyes’ side are leading the race to sign the £18 million man, but Leeds are also in the hunt according to the Daily Mail.
If Johnstone does go to the European Championships then it could impact on Leeds and West Ham’s chances of signing him though.
Johnstone surely won’t want to enter the tournament with his future up in the air, and it may be that Leeds and West Ham have to wait before forcing through a move.
Although he may enter the tournament as third choice, if England do suffer an injury crisis, and he gets the chance to play on the international stage – that could raise his value too.
Johnstone kept goal for West Brom excellently this season, despite their relegation, and there is no reason to believe that he couldn’t cope at the highest level.
If Johnstone was to move to Leeds he would provide Marcelo Bielsa’s side with real competition for places in goal, with Illan Meslier already at the club.
At West Ham there could be an opening for him to start, as Lukasz Fabianski is now advancing in years, and may need to be replaced in the coming years.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
