Rangers target Sam Johnstone likely to leave, claims West Brom manager Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce has confirmed that West Brom are fighting a losing battle to keep hold of goalkeeper and Rangers target Sam Johnstone.
The England international, whose contract expires at the end of the season, will be a free agent come June.
As Rangers are not an English club, they are eligible to open talks with him and sought a pre-contract agreement.
Speaking about his future, Bruce said, “The likelihood is that Sam is going to leave.
“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.”
According to the Daily Mail, Gers have shown an interest in signing the 29-year-old this summer as they want to replace Allan McGregor.
Given the fact that he's available on a free makes it all the more appetising for them to pursue a move for him.
He would certainly want to be in the World Cup squad and would be a first-team regular at Ibrox.
Tottenham Hotspur are also understood to be interested in the keeper dubbed "phenomenal" by Stephen Warnock.
However, he would be the number two there and that's surely not what he wants.