This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Everton have joined the race for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to The Mirror.
The England international is set to leave the Championship club as a free agent in the summer and the Toffees are among a host of top flight teams interested.
But would he be a good signing for Everton? And do they need him?
Our FLW writers issue their verdicts...
Marcus Ally
Johnstone would not go in ahead of Jordan Pickford, and the Toffees would not be able to offer him as appealing of a financial package as some of the other clubs in the conversation.
That said, Johnstone would be a very good backup option in the Premier League next season, it just seems a little underwhelming given the promise he has shown in the last few years at West Brom.
Due to no transfer fee being required, as of his contract situation, Everton would be able to offer Johnstone better wages than if they were paying a fee, but they are a club on the way down at the moment and the 29-year-old could probably do better.
From Everton’s point of view, it is a good move, I am just not as sure it is the smartest choice for Johnstone’s future prospects if it materialises.
Adam Jones
This would be a great addition from a psychological point of view - because Jordan Pickford will be in competition with Johnstone for a starting spot.
With that, you would feel Pickford would subconsciously raise his performance levels that extra 10% and that can only pay dividends for Frank Lampard's men as they look to escape another relegation battle next season.
On a free transfer as well in the Toffees' financial situation, this move seems like a no-brainer if Andy Lonergan and/or Asmir Begovic leave Goodison Park in the summer.
If Pickford remains on Merseyside though, you would have to say this may not be the best career choice for Johnstone if he wants to get on the plane to Qatar later this year.
Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson
It's quite surprising to hear Everton being linked with a move for Sam Johnstone to be honest.
They already have England's number one in Jordan Pickford in goal, so surely any move for Johnstone to Goodison Park would see him be the number two.
That's something Johnstone should avoid.
He is a top keeper and has England ambitions - it's unlikely he will satisfy these whilst playing second fiddle to another keeper.
From Everton's perspective, you'd love to have a back up goalkeeper as good as Sam Johnstone, but I doubt this is the right move for the player in either the long or short term.