West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone could sign a new deal with a release clause included, according to former England defender Danny Mills.

The Lowdown: Johnstone likely to stay put

The 28-year-old was one of the few positives to take from the Baggies' 2020/21 campaign as they were relegated back to the Championship from the Premier League.

His form earned him a call-up to England's Euro 2020 squad, and while he didn't feature in the tournament, it was proof of how much he impressed throughout the season.

Johnstone looks set to stay put at West Brom this summer despite transfer interest in him, but his long-term future remains up in the air.

The Latest: Mills thinks Johnstone could swing a new deal

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills tipped the 28-year-old to sign a new deal at The Hawthorns, adding that a release clause could allow him to leave next summer if promotion isn't achieved.

The former Leeds defender said:

"If he wants a bit of security, he can just say to West Brom ‘This is where we’re at, if we don’t get promoted I can go for x, y or z. If not, I’ll just sit here and wait until the end of the season to consider my options’.

"There is a good chance he’d be in a very strong position if he did that.

"All the cards are in his hands. He can now pick and choose what suits him best and what he wants to do. He can pretty much dictate the terms of a contract."

The Verdict: Makes sense for all parties

Realistically, West Brom must accept that Johnstone won't be content with being in the Championship for long, so a release clause could actually be a shrewd idea in a new contract.

Should Valerien Ismael's side earn promotion this season, the England international may be happy to remain at the club, continuing to be a key player for Albion.

If that clause is one way of keeping hold of Johnstone right now, West Brom should go through with it, with his current deal expiring next summer.

In other news, West Brom have been tipped to sign a player on loan this summer. Find out who it is here.