West Brom have only taken the full three points from one of their last five games but remarkably remain third in the Championship table albeit nine points adrift from top of the table, Fulham.

Valerien Ismael's side failed to score yet again in their Friday night fixture at home to Nottingham Forest, bringing them up to 61 shots without a single one finding the back of the net in their last three games.

Despite their goal drought, they have been able to take two clean sheets away from their last two games, conceding just two goals in their last five fixtures thanks to the remarkable quality of their goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone, and now fans will be buzzing to hear that he could stay until the end of the season.

What's the word?

Although there has been mounting speculation surrounding the England international, West Brom could find themselves being able to hold ontothe popular goalkeeper until the end of the season when he will become available on a free transfer.

Johnstone has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, with many reports suggesting that clubs will try to swoop in with offers in January, despite the fact he will be able to commit his future on a free in the window ahead of a summer move to another club, meaning he would see out the rest of his contract with West Brom.

Journalist, Luke Hatfield, has weighed in on the Johnstone transfer saga, and told GIVEMESPORT;

"Why would he make the move then and forego the chance to have a higher wage? And he will be on a free transfer where more teams will be interested."

Fans will be relieved

Fans will surely be relieved and welcome the good news that there is a chance that Johnstone could stay until the end of the season, as the side already has a number of injury issues that are causing squad depth issues, as well as multiple red card suspensions that have been frustrating for supporters to see over the past week.

The stopper could definitely capitalise on an opportunity to stay in the West Brom fan's good books by seeing his contract out until the summer and getting a more attractive wage package with a long term contract from a club thanks to his availability on a free.

It may also open him up to more appealing opportunities with other clubs who will be keen to steal the signature of the 28-year-old for absolutely nothing.

West Brom will be working hard to convince the keeper to stay with them over the winter, as they attempt to challenge for Premier League promotion. The situation with Johnstone could make the difference between staying in the Championship for another season or giving them the edge to earn a seat in the top-flight.

After all, he is an international footballer, one who has already proven his worth over countless seasons at the Hawthorns.

With that in mind, it's clear to see why supporters would be excited to see him stay beyond January.

In other news: Ismael will be disappointed with blow to transfer target