West Brom search for goalkeeper to compete with Sam Johnstone

But with Sam Johnstone as good as certain to start the campaign as number one – and with the Baggies not flush with cash – Slaven Bilic won’t want to use a large chunk of his transfer budget on a new glovesman.

Here, the Express & Star looks at three keepers who have recently been linked with a move to The Hawthorns and assess their pros and cons.

David Marshall

A player who has won 33 caps for Scotland, Marshall previously impressed in the Premier League during spells with Cardiff and Hull City.

Now 35 years old, the keeper is currently with Wigan and coming to terms with their drop into League One.

That relegation means the shot-stopper is available for a cut-price fee.

Scottish giants Celtic are believed to be keen on taking him north of the border and back to the club where he began his career.

But another chance to play in the Premier League may appeal to the former Norwich man, who knows a move to Albion will only be short-term.

With Marshall in the later stages of his career, though, the Baggies will have to be sure he can replicate his previous Premier League form if they do move for him.

Steven Benda

Recently linked with moves to Liverpool and Villa, Swansea keeper Benda is another who has been mentioned in connection with Albion.

The 21-year-old impressed during a loan spell at League Two Swindon last season, with the Robins improving significantly after he forced his way into the side.

Born in Stuttgart, Benda joined Swansea from 1860 Munich in the summer of 2017.

It has been reported that he could move to The Hawthorns as understudy to Johnstone, but having the potential to be Albion’s number one long-term.

Swansea, though, don’t currently have another senior keeper on their books and he may feel he can make the number one jersey his own at the Liberty

Stadium.

Albion also may feel his arrival could hamper the development of Alex Palmer – who also shone in League Two with Plymouth last season and recently signed a new three-year deal with the club.

Joe Hart

Once England’s undisputed number one, Hart was fantastic for club and country in his heyday.

But his form has dropped alarmingly over the past few years, with the 33-year-old having had a string of unsuccessful moves.

After being told he was surplus to requirements at Manchester City in 2016, the keeper has gone on to have underwhelming spells at Torino in Italy, West Ham and Burnley.

Born in Shrewsbury, a move back to the West Midlands may be what he needs to help him get back the levels that made him one of the best keepers in the

world.

The fact he is a free agent will appeal to Albion. But Hart would have to lower his previous wage demands for them to be interested.