West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has reiterated his desire to get back to the Premier League but claimed promotion with the Baggies is "our only aim" amid links to Newcastle United, Rangers, and West Ham United.

Johnstone impressed for Albion last season despite their relegation from the top flight – winning their player of the year award and earning a place in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 squad.

The West Midlands club kept hold of him in the summer but with his contract set to expire at the end of June, speculation about a January exit has been rife with – Newcastle, West Ham, and Rangers all linked.

Speaking to Metro, the 28-year-old has reiterated his desire to return to the Premier League but outlined that getting there with the Baggies remains his focus.

He said: "There was a lot of talk in the summer. It (a transfer) just didn’t happen and we are focused on doing our best to get promoted back up this year. That is the only aim.

"I see the speculation and there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s out of my control but I want to be back playing in the Premier League."

Some shaky form over the past few months has seen Albion slide back to fourth in the Championship but they're still just four points outside the automatic promotion places and the arrival of US international Daryl Dike will provide fresh hope.

The Verdict

These comments will hardly come as a surprise and given his contract situation, you'd imagine that Johnstone will be at a Premier League club next season – whether that is West Brom or someone else.

He seems content with remaining at The Hawthorns until the end of the season but you wonder whether that might change if an offer is made by an enticing club.

The 28-year-old is too good for the Championship and should be a first choice top flight goalkeeper already, in my eyes.

These claims may be a setback for Rangers, however, as it seems his heart is set on getting back to the Premier League and not a move north of the border.