Plymouth Argyle hold perfect Mikey Johnston alternative for West Brom | OneFootball

Mikey Johnston has enjoyed a fantastic loan spell at West Bromwich Albion, scoring seven goals in 14 appearances for the Baggies.

The Celtic loanee is likely to be sold in the summer, with the Hoops deeming their academy graduate surplus to requirements despite an excellent spell in the West Midlands.

West Brom will fancy their chances of tying Johnston down to a permanent deal. But his impressive displays have attracted the interest of several other clubs, and a deal between West Brom and Johnston is by no means confirmed.

One player who could offer West Brom an alternative to Johnston is Morgan Whittaker, who, according to FBref, has the most similar statistical profile to Johnston.

The Plymouth Argyle winger has been arguably the best young forward in the Championship this season, with 19 goals and eight assists, despite the fact the Pilgrims are struggling towards the bottom of the league.

Whittaker profiles most similarly to Johnston, according to Fbref, due to his ability to get shots off in attacking areas and make telling contributions in front of goal.

The 23-year-old will be in high demand this summer and there's no guarantee he'll opt for West Brom, especially if they're still in the Championship next season.

Either way, Whittaker is an exciting profile who could easily replace the output of Johnston should he fail to return to the Hawthorns on a permanent deal.

Premier League football could entice Whittaker to join West Brom

Whittaker has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Plymouth after joining the club on a permanent deal last summer.

The Englishman impressed as Plymouth secured automatic promotion from League One last season, but has taken his performances to another level this term.

Only Blackburn's Sammie Szmodics and Souhampton's Adam Armstrong have contributed to more goals in the Championship this season, and Whittaker has looked unfazed by the step up to second-division football.

His form has unsurprisingly attracted the interest of several Premier League clubs in January, and if West Brom are to stand any chance of securing the highly-rated winger, they will likely have to secure promotion this season.

West Brom sit in fifth place, seven points ahead of seventh-placed Hull City, who have a game in hand. The Baggies are currently on course to secure a play-off place, but would still have to navigate a two-legged semi-final and a final to secure their place in the topflight for the first time since 2018.

Johnston has been too impressive for his own good

Whilst Johnston had shown glimpses of the player he could be at Celtic, injuries had meant West Brom were taking a calculated risk in bringing him to the club.

That he's since gone on to guide West Brom towards the play-offs means interest in his services has increased tenfold, leaving the Baggies with a dilemma.

Johnston's impressive performances have made him a top target for West Brom but has ensured competition for his signature will be high this summer.

West Brom will hope that Johnston can help fire them to the Premier League, not only securing topflight football at the Hawthorns but also handing the baggies an invaluable advantage in negotiations for Johnston himself.

West Brom's business this summer is likely to depend on their league position at the end of the season, and any deals for Johnston or Whittaker will be put on ice until the Baggies know whether they will be playing Premier League football next season.