Sam Johnstone axed by Steve Bruce as Man Utd and Tottenham battle for transfer

England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone looks to have played his final game for West Bromwich Albion.

The stopper has made 36 appearances for the Baggies this season but his contract expires in the summer. The 29-year-old, who has three senior caps, has so far refused to agree to extended terms and that has led to Albion boss Steve Bruce admitting defeat. Bruce, who arrived at the Hawthorns in February, says Johnstone will be stood down for the club's five remaining fixtures this season.

West Brom are 12th in the table ahead of their Good Friday meeting at home to Blackpool. Bruce confirmed the experienced David Button will stand in for the remainder of the season, with Alex Palmer and Josh Griffiths to provide competition and cover.

Bruce said: "I've had a word with Sam. Sam looks as if he's decided to let his contract run down and that is his prerogative. We haven't been able to get him a deal, so I'll have a look at Button and see how he does.

"With five games left, it's only right that David plays. We've chopped and changed a little bit. That is pretty normal. What will make the headlines will be the goalkeeping situation. Sam's been a great servant to this club but we have to accept that he's decided not to sign his contract and we wish him the best of luck.

"So it's important we give Dave the gloves and see how he does. He has bags of experience. He has been round the block and played 339 games in his career."

Earlier this week Johnstone was linked with a move back to his old club Manchester United. But they are likely to face stern competition from Premier League top-four rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Reports from Sky Sports suggest that United are interested in re-signing the stopper, who spent seven years at United but never made a senior appearance before signing for the Baggies in 2018.

Spurs, who are in direct competition with United and a clutch of other clubs chasing fourth place, are also name-checked as being admirers of the 29-year-old. Last month Bruce appeared resigned to losing Johnstone.

He said: "The likelihood is that Sam is going to leave. We're probably going to lose our biggest asset on a Bosman (free transfer), which is not great for everybody. But I have seen enough of the kid (Alex Palmer) and (David) Button has played enough for me to know he is a very, very decent goalkeeper. I am quite happy with him and we are in discussions with him now over next year, and I hope that could be fruitful. We are blessed in that department. The way I think at the moment is to let those two go head-to-head."

Albion go into the meeting with Neil Critchley's side eight points off the Championship play-off pace. Even winning all five remaining matches is unlikely to be enough to sneak into sixth spot.

Bruce has overseen just three wins from 12 league games in charge since replacing Valerien Ismael.