Sam Johnstone was left out of West Bromwich Albion’s squad for Wednesday's 2-0 home defeat to Preston amid suggestions he is not seeing eye to eye with manager Valerien Ismael.

The England international was not included in the squad despite being available, as Ismael chose David Button in goal with youngster Alex Palmer on the bench.

The exact reasons for Johnstone’s exclusions were unclear, given he had completed a suspension and was not thought to be suffering either from injury or illness.

Johnstone has made 26 appearances in the Championship for Albion this term, after being left on the bench for the first game of the season. He was sent off in the 2-2 draw with Cardiff on January 2, bringing a three-match ban. Button has taken over in his absence.

Albion have been desperate for Johnstone, whose contract expires in the summer, to sign a new deal to avoid losing him on a free transfer in the summer, but this has yet to happen. Johnstone would now be free to discuss terms with overseas clubs.

Johnstone has three full caps for England and was courted by West Ham last summer. It is thought his exclusion for the Preston match left team-mates baffled.