Albion goalkeeping picture shifts as Max O’Leary signs and Stoke linked with Josh Griffiths | OneFootball

Max O’Leary has signed a three-year contract with West Bromwich Albion, yet the goalkeeping picture still feels unresolved. Josh Griffiths has reportedly drawn Stoke interest, leaving boss James Morrison with calls to make.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the 29-year-old impressed after a January move from Bristol City and has extended beyond his initial short-term deal that expired this summer.

Griffiths began last season as No.1 before Ryan Mason dropped him at QPR for Joe Wildsmith, who struggled, then later restored him. Eric Ramsay’s early weeks included a 5-0 defeat by Norwich, after which Albion brought in O’Leary on a short-term basis.

An Ashton Gate graduate, O’Leary had one major error on debut at Derby, then, with the defence solidifying in front of him, produced five successive clean sheets and eight in 16 league games, including a standout at Blues. The deal length hints at expectations of minutes, though some supporters remain unconvinced about him as next season’s first choice.

Griffiths, 24, is contracted until next summer and could pursue a regular No.1 role elsewhere, while Albion may view him as a way to raise funds. If both stay, selection should be form-led, with Morrison to nail his colours to the mast, while Wildsmith, 30, has been released and prospects Ben Cisse and Joe Wallis, both 20, continue to progress, with Cisse mulling new terms, Wallis extending, and under-21s Brian Okonkwo, 20, offered a deal, and Louis Brady, 19, given an extension.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com