Journalist Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Tottenham could not convince Sam Johnstone to move to London, as they were unable to give him enough game time. Johnstone is a free agent, after leaving West Brom.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper has spent the last four seasons at West Brom, clocking up 45 clean sheets in 167 games. But after failing to gain promotion back to the Premier League this season, he decided not to renew his deal.
It sees Johnstone become a free agent, and there are numerous clubs after his signature. Reports state that West Ham and Tottenham had been leading the race to sign Johnstone – but Fraser Forster is expected to sign for Spurs.
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Now, transfer expert Jones has shared what he has been told regarding Tottenham’s pursuit of the England international. He claims that Johnstone wanted assurances regarding game time, but Spurs could not meet those.
“Basically what happened was, Sam Johnstone was very far down the line in terms of joining, and, from what I understand, he had certain hopes about a guarantee of game time, and Tottenham couldn’t give him that.
“And he’s basically had reservations, and now that Forster’s come onto their radar as a new option, it looks like they’re going to go ahead with that one instead of Sam Johnstone,” Jones said, on Give Me Sport’s website.
Journalist: Tottenham could not convince Johnstone over game time
It is the right move for both parties. Ultimately, Hugo Lloris remains number one and Spurs can only bring in a goalkeeper that is happy to be cover for the World Cup winner and play 10 games a season.
Johnstone is still 29 and will have hopes of breaking into the England squad for the World Cup. He needs to join a side where he is first choice. Tottenham was never going to offer him that. The decision makes sense.
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