Southampton target Sam Johnstone could soon be available for less than £10m, according to journalist Tom Barclay.
It was reported earlier this month that the South Coast club are interested in signing the shot-stopper, although they could also face competition for his signature from Tottenham and West Ham.
What is Johnstone's contract situation at West Brom?
Johnstone is into his fourth season at the Hawthorns, but it could well be his last. His contract is set to expire next summer, and he is yet to agree an extension with the Baggies.
West Brom risk losing him for nothing in June, or they could try to cash in on the 6 foot 4 international when the next transfer window opens in January.
However, if they choose to take the latter option, Barclay is not convinced that they will get a substantial fee for the player.
What has Barclay said about Johnstone's potential price-tag?
In 2020, Southampton spent £12m and £10.9m on Kyle Walker-Peters and Mohammed Salisu, respectively.
Barclay has claimed that they could manage to sign Johnstone for even less money.
When discussing a potential price-tag for the West Brom man, he told GIVEMESPORT: “You’re looking at probably less than £10m. I’m speculating there, but I imagine it’d be less than £10m.”
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Should Southampton do all they can to land Johnstone?
If he's available for less than £10m, Southampton should go all in for Johnstone in January.
Their current No. 1, Alex McCarthy, has done very little wrong this season, but it would be fair to say that Johnstone has proved himself to be a superior goalkeeper over the past 12 months.
The 28-year-old was arguably West Brom's best player when they were relegated from the Premier League last term, and his form for them saw him called up for England's Euro 2020 squad in the summer.
He has continued to impress in the Championship this season, as Valerien Ismael's men have put themselves in a strong position to challenge for promotion back to the top-flight.
Getting a player of his quality for a fee below £10m is not an opportunity that comes around too often, so Southampton should seize their opportunity if it presents itself.
It might not be easy for the Saints to get a deal over the line, given that other clubs have also shown interest in Johnstone, and they may even be tempted to wait until next summer to try and land him on a free transfer.
Their chances of signing him then might be slimmer, though, so they ought to be proactive in going after the three-cap international as soon as they can.
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