The expected arrival of Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone at the Hawthorns would be an astute piece of business.

According to the Birmingham Mail, it will likely be linked to Ben Foster’s departure from the club after eight years as the West Brom number one. Such a move suggests that Darren Moore is looking to the future with regards to his defence.

The 25-year-old impressed at Aston Villa last season. Conceding just 42 goals in 48 games, he recorded an impressive 22 clean sheets as the Villans fell at the final hurdle in their bid for promotion. Despite this impressive record, Johnstone knows that he may struggle to force his way into a Manchester United set-up which includes David de Gea and Sergio Romero.

Despite Johnstone’s failure to stand up to the Spanish and Argentinian first choice keepers, he is a highly rated keeper for good reason. Despite being largely protected by a resolute defence, outstanding saves abounded in his second season at Villa Park. This shot-stopping ability and his natural concentration have led to considerations that he may be a future England goalkeeper.

It seems inevitable that he will be playing in the Premier League before too long. The act of replacing Ben Foster, a former England keeper and stalwart of the club, with Johnstone gives a sense that the club is seeking to replace like for like. If they can keep him at the club for a similar length of time as Foster was, West Brom can look forward to good times ahead.

[ad_pod ]