ALBION can today confirm the first of the summer transfer window’s recruits - goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Manchester United.
The 25-year-old Lancashire lad has joined for an undisclosed sum after signing a four-year deal with the Baggies.
It's a swift return to the West Midlands patch for Sam following his acclaimed season on loan with neighbours Aston Villa which fell just short of promotion in the Wembley Play-Off Final.
But in his first interview as an Albion player for iFollow WBA TV, which will be available tomorrow morning, Sam made it clear he is relishing the chance to "settle down" at a club and move his game "up to the next level."
He tells us: "I'm happy to be here. I've spoken to a lot of people about the club and heard nothing but good things.
"It's good to get through the door. I've played Championship games and won a promotion from League One with Preston but always seemed to end back at Manchester United or going somewhere else.
"Now it's time to settle down and take my game up to the next level which I believe I can do here."
Head Coach Darren Moore was delighted to get the first signing of his regime into the squad - a signing he believes represents everything he will be trying to build in the months ahead.
"Sam is young and determined to be the best keeper he can possibly be - he's hungry to do that with us at Albion," said Darren.
"We've had him targeted from the outset and we're all delighted to have him on board.
"He buys into exactly what we are trying to achieve and will hopefully represent the shape of things to come."