England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is poised to return to the West Brom team against Luton on Saturday despite his contract stalemate.

Johnstone, who has one year left on his current deal, was named on the bench for the Championship opener at Bournemouth last weekend, with David Button starting the 2-2 draw.

But Sportsmail understands Johnstone, who made his international debut when England beat Romania 1-0 in a friendly before Euro 2020, is set to regain his spot for Albion's first home game of the campaign.

The 28-year-old was one of the positive stories of a difficult 2020-21 season for Albion, which saw them relegated from the Premier League. 

He drew strong interest from West Ham over the summer but no deal was agreed.

West Brom are desperate to avoid losing Johnstone on a free transfer next summer and are keen to discuss a new deal, which may even include a manageable release clause to guarantee Albion a transfer fee if – as expected – Johnstone leaves next summer. 

He would be an attractive option as a Bosman signing.

New boss Valerien Ismael has already seen Albion's other star of last season, playmaker Matheus Pereira, leave for Saudi club Al-Hilal.

Nonetheless, Albion will be among the favourites to win immediate promotion to the top flight after signing proven Championship players Alex Mowatt, Adam Reach and Matt Clarke.