‘Running down a contract’ – West Brom manager updates on Spurs-linked Sam Johnstone
West Brom manager Valerien Ismael has admitted there is no update regarding a new contract for rumoured Tottenham target Sam Johnstone. With Hugo Lloris now into the final year of his contract at Tottenham, it has been reported that the club are on the lookout for the Frenchman’s successor. Johnstone, whose current contract at Hawthorns also runs out […]
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West Brom manager Valerien Ismael has admitted there is no update regarding a new contract for rumoured Tottenham target Sam Johnstone.
With Hugo Lloris now into the final year of his contract at Tottenham, it has been reported that the club are on the lookout for the Frenchman’s successor.
Johnstone, whose current contract at Hawthorns also runs out at the end of the season, is alleged to be one of the options that Antonio Conte’s men are eyeing as Lloris’ replacement.
However, the North Londoners are expected to face competition for the 28-year-old’s signature, with Newcastle United also thought to be monitoring his situation.
Ismael has now insisted that he has no concerns regarding Johnstone’s future and backed the goalkeeper to continue performing consistently despite what is being written about his future.
The West Brom boss told Express and Star: “He (Johnstone) is completely committed to the team and to the club. He’s a very important player for us.
“A great guy, very focused, he plays at a high level. He’s very professional and has a desire to be successful. Next year is the World Cup so it’s a win-win situation.”
Ismael admitted the England international is singularly focused on making the Three Lions squad for the next World Cup.
He said: “For Sam, it’s about more than running down a contract, it’s more about being able to play at that level for next year, to be a part of that squad who goes to the World Cup.
“Our part is to help him stay on that level and for sure to play at the highest level we can, for that we need to put in the effort.”
When asked if there was an update on Johnstone’s contract talks, Ismael responded: “There’s nothing. We’re all focused at the minute to get back on the winning way, and we’re all focused and working very hard to get what we want.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Even if Lloris signs a new deal, I expect Spurs to be after another backup goalkeeper in the summer.
If the club can convince Johnstone that he could take over as the number one from Lloris after a year, that could well be a tempting proposition for the England international.
However, the 28-year-old might want guaranteed first-team football immediately, in which case, Spurs are unlikely to get him.
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The post ‘Running down a contract’ – West Brom manager updates on Spurs-linked Sam Johnstone appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.