Alex reveals No.1 target for season
WEST Brom have tied a second goalkeeper down to a new contract after confirming Alex Palmer has signed a new four-year deal.
The 25-year-old follows David Button in extending his stay at The Hawthorns.
Both are now expected to continue contesting the number one spot in Steve Bruce’s side after featuring in the matchday squad over the final five matches of the Championship season.
Button started each of those games to close out the campaign but it hasn’t put Palmer off committing to the club that has been his home since the age of 14.
In fact, he is bullish about wanting to become first choice next season.
“I want to be playing and I want to be number one for the start of next season,” said Palmer. “That’s my aim and I haven’t signed a new contract to sit here and be comfortable.
“I want to be pushing and I know Butts will be pushing me. With the contract I’ve been given, I’ve been backed by the coaching staff, so I just need to go out there and prove myself.
“I’m pushing to be number one because I’ve been at this club for a while and it’s my club. I’ve come through the ranks and I want to be that first goalkeeper to break into the team. I definitely feel I’ve got the ability to do that.”
Palmer made just one appearance for Albion this season in the 6-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal in late August.
He did, though, make a couple of appearances for
Luton in the Championship during an emergency loan at Kenilworth Road.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly set to sign goalkeeper Sam Johnstone after Manchester United opted against a return for their academy graduate.
The 29-year-old is available on a free transfer this summer when the four-year contract he signed when arriving from Old Trafford is due to expire. Johnstone was left out of the Albion side by Bruce for the final month of the season.
Meanwhile, Button has revealed that staying “was a really easy decision to make”.
“It’s a privilege to play for such a big club with great fans and great staff members behind the scenes,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to the next two years here.
“Despite not playing as much as I would have liked, I’ve really enjoyed my last two years here.
“When I knew the club wanted to offer me a new deal it was a really easy decision to make.”