Watford are not interested in making a move for West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone this summer at this stage, according to the Watford Observer.

Johnstone is a player that has been the subject of plenty of transfer speculation surrounding his future following the Baggies’ relegation from the Premier League.

It was reported by the Express and Star and that both Watford and West Ham were interested in making a move for the 28-year-old this summer. Although it was believed West Brom’s £15 million to £20 million valuation could put them off.

However, according to a recent report from Claret and Hugh, the Hammers are not in the market for Johnstone this summer with West Ham thought to be conserving their money to spend on other areas of the squad.

The latest report from the Watford Observer reveals that the Hornets are also not in the market for Johnstone or any other new keeper this summer at this stage. However, it adds that could change if they were to potentially lose one of their other options between the sticks.

The verdict

This is a major positive for West Brom with both of Watford and West Ham now being ruled out of making a move for Johnstone this summer. Those were the two clubs that were most strongly being linked with the England international in the last few weeks and so there will now be hope that the Baggies can keep hold of him.

A player of Johnstone’s quality should not be in the Championship next term, and he will probably be feeling he might need a move back to the top-flight to continue to be a prominent player in the England setup. However, it seems that he might now have to prepare for another season in the English second tier if other suitors do not emerge.

West Brom’s chances of bouncing back at the first time of asking next term would be greatly enhanced if Johnstone is still their number one keeper. He will be professional you would imagine and still deliver his all on the pitch for them if he can not get a move this summer.