West Brom ‘target’ reunion with former star man as Watford ace ‘set to leave’ this summer

The latest transfer talk from West Brom and the rest of the Championship
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West Brom failed to move within three points of the top six as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Cardiff City at the weekend. Daryl Dike put the Baggies ahead in the Championship clash before Kaba rescued a point for the home side.

Carlos Corberan’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways after the international break as they host Millwall in a bid to close in on the play-off spots. The Lions are only five points ahead in sixth place, while West Brom also have a game in hand.

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Here are the latest transfer headlines from the Championship...

Sam Johnstone reunion

West Brom are targeting a reunion with Sam Johnstone this summer, according to The Sun. However, the move would depend on whether they were promoted.

Johnstone’s impressive four-year stint with West Brom earned him a place in the England squad and plenty of interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, before he went onto secure a move to the latter last summer after his contract expired. However, the 29-year-old is still waiting to make his Premier League debut and has only managed two appearances in the Carabao Cup for the Eagles.

With Johnstone likely to remain behind Vicente Guaita in the pecking order next season, Crystal Palace could look to offload their back-up shotstopper and value him at around £5-6 million. However, the Baggies will rely on promotion for them to be able to bring their former star man back to the club.

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Meanwhile, Sheffield United are also hopeful of bringing in a new number one if they are to return to the Premier League. The Blades look a lot more likely to win promotion as they sit three points inside the top two, however Johnstone may favour a move back to the Midlands if they can earn a spot in the play-offs.

Watford star ‘available’ for transfer

After years of rumours speculating Ismaila Sarr’s departure from Watford, the winger is finally set to leave the club at the end of the season, according to The Athletic.

Sarr has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United after the Hornets were relegated on two occasions, however they somehow managed to keep hold of him and he has gone onto shine in the Championship. After bagging 15 goal contributions in 31 matches so far this season, the Senegal international will now leave Vicarage Road even if they are to win promotion back to the top flight.

The news will set a number of clubs on high alert and Sarr could even be available on a cut-price deal as he will enter the final year of his contract in the summer. The 25-year-old cost Watford £30 million four years ago, however they are very likely to lose money when they part ways with their star man this summer.

Spurs ‘eye’ Championship youngster

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Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on Watford’s Adrian Blake, according to the Daily Mail.

The 17-year-old became the seventh youngest player in the Hornets’ history when he made his senior debut in August and he has become very highly rated at the club, with the potential to develop into a key first-team player. However, Blake’s impressive form has attracted the attention of Spurs and a number of top clubs ahead of his contract expiry in the summer.

Spurs don’t have a very good record in recruiting Championship players however, most recently bringing in Djed Spence who managed only five appearances in all competitions before he was loaned out to Rennes. The London outfit have also previously signed the likes of Joe Rodon, Ryan Sessegnon and Jack Clarke - none of which lived up to their potential.

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