Southampton look set to face an eventful end to the season in the race for promotion from the Championship.
Russell Martin‘s currently sit 4th in the Championship table, eight points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
The Saints also have a game in hand on the majority of those around them, following the postponement of their clash with Preston North End on Wednesday night.
As a result, it looks that at the very minimum, Southampton will get a shot at promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
That of course, means it is still far from certain what division they will be playing in next season.
Even so, plans will have to be made over potential targets for the summer transfer window.
With that in mind, Southampton ought to be taking a close interest in at least one player they are competing with for promotion, in case they do go up.
Mikey Johnston excelling at West Brom
Back in the January transfer window, Mikey Johnston joined West Brom on loan from Celtic until the end of the season.
Since making that move, the winger has been a stand out player in Carlos Corberan’s side.
He has already scored four goals – many spectacular – in just eight appearances for the Baggies since making that move.
As a result, if Southampton were to beat West Brom to a place in the Premier League for next season, Johnston is a player who would surely have to be on their transfer radar.
Mikey Johnston would be a good Southampton signing
Given how he has performed since moving to the Championship with West Brom, Johnston could certainly be a useful addition for the Saints.
There can now be no doubt that he is more than good enough for the second-tier. As a result, there may be a case to be made that he ought to be given a chance in the Premier League as well.
Southampton could give him that if they go up. Indeed, if they manage to do that ahead of the Baggies, that could mak St Mary’s a more appealing destination for him come the summer, given the opportunities it might provide.
Considering the fact that Celtic were willing to let Johnston go out on loan in January, they may be open to sanctioning such a deal again come the summer.
Not only would his talent aid Southampton if he makes this move, he could also provide some useful reinforcements for Martin’s side.
Currently, Ryan Fraser and David Brooks are both only on loan with the Saints until the end of the season.
Martin’s side may therefore need reinforcement in that position come the summer, and Johnston has shown he has the quality to fill that void.
With that in mind, it does feel as though Johnston’s performances for West Brom, ought to have alerted Southampton to one potential summer target, as they prepare for a potential Premier League return.