West Brom are set to stage a massive resistance to keep Sam Johnstone leaving the club this winter or next summer.
The Hammers are keen on the 28 year old in who Spurs and Saints are also holding an interest.
For all that it seems unlikely to the Baggies will be in a strong enough position to hold onto possibly the best player in the squad as he comes out of contract.
But boss Valerien Ismael claims he expects the stopper to stay in January, as per a report by the Express and Star.
Johnstone’s position has been regularly rewarded and despite his boss’ hopes he looks almost certasin to leave although with the club in third place in the Championship there remains hope.
Promotion back to the Premier Leagye would probably allow the club to offer him a big new deal.
The Hammers have the option to buy Alphone Areola at the end of the season but Johnstone remains an attractive option.
But in the meantime Ismael said: “We definitely don’t want to lose the best player in the squad. For our purpose and what we want to achieve, Sammy is a massive part of our project regardless his contract situation and is a big part of my thoughts.”
