WEST BROM No 1 Sam Johnstone is wanted by Premier League side Southampton in January.
But the South Coast club face a fight to make him move.
Saints would like the England keeper – who produced a brilliant throw out for Jack Grealish to score in the 5-0 win over Andorra – to join them permanently.
And they are willing to pay rather than wait until he becomes a free agent in the summer.
But Johnstone, 28, is settled at the Championship Baggies and looks ready to wait until the end of his contract to decide on his next move.
And the fact he is now No 2 in the international squad while playing in the second tier means there is no need for him to jump ship sooner.
Both West Ham and Tottenham have pencilled in offers for Johnstone if he leaves, while West Brom have let him know there will be a lucrative deal to stay.
Saints expect to lose Fraser Forster at the end of his deal.
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And if they could land Johnstone they would be in a position to let him go sooner.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s highly rated keeper GAVIN BAZUNU is aiming for a Prem home next term.
The Republic of Ireland ace, 19, is catching the eye on loan at Portsmouth and City are already working on where to send him next season.
Pep Guardiola’s team are confident Bazunu will play for them down the line and want to see him stretched at Championship level next.
But the rising star is planning to attract a top-flight club on loan during his time at Pompey as he looks to make the top as soon as possible.
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