Sam Johnstone left West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer this summer and David Button is expected to succeed him between the sticks next season while Alex Palmer provides backup, so there’s no room for Josh Griffiths.

The 20-year-old was loaned out last season and is too experienced for reserve-team football at West Brom, so Carlton Palmer says another loan move would benefit all parties. He told Football League World: “For Josh (Griffiths), you know, it makes sense.

“He’s only 20. He’s got youth on his side. He’s a talented young goalkeeper. He needs to go out and keep learning his trade playing in a first-team on loan.” Griffiths has risen through the youth ranks to the fringes of West Brom’s first-team, making 21 appearances for the U18s and six appearances for the U23s.

The former England U18 international has spent the last two seasons on loan, making 50 appearances for League Two side Cheltenham Town (2020/21), conceding 45 goals with 23 clean sheets. He made 35 appearances for League One outfit Lincoln City (2021/22), conceding 49 goals with two clean sheets, so he’s above the U23s now.

Griffiths should be loaned out to a Football League side again and Portsmouth are one club that have been linked with his signature. He’s unlikely to get opportunities at West Brom, so the next best thing is competitive football one level down.

In other news, West Brom should sign Ross Stewart to replace Kenneth Zohore this summer