Newcastle United have emerged as one of five Premier League clubs interested in signing West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone this summer, according to a report.
The 29-year-old will leave The Hawthorns on a free transfer in the coming weeks after refusing to sign a contract extension with the Baggies, which has resulted in numerous clubs registering an interest in his services.
A report from The Sun suggests that Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City, West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion are all interested in bringing the England international back to the Premier League next season.
After impressing in 37 league appearances for West Brom in their relegation from the top flight in the 2020-21 campaign, Johnstone remained with the club for the 2021-22 season in the Championship in the hope of achieving promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
However, a disappointing season in the second tier saw the West-Midlands side finish 10th, and after confirming that he would be leaving upon the expiration of his contract, Johnstone was not selected by Steve Bruce for the final five games of the campaign.
The former Manchester United goalkeeper wishes to return to the top flight to increase his chances of featuring in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the World Cup later this year, after being an unused substitute for his country's road to the final of the 2020 European Championships last summer.
Matthew Tranter
