According to London News Online, Crystal Palace are closing in on a deal for Sam Johnstone, who is also a target for Tottenham and West Ham.
What’s the story?
Well, it seems Patrick Vieira is close to making his first signing of the summer, and what a deal it would be.
Johnstone – who has won three caps for England – recently became a free agent after leaving West Brom, where he won the Player’s Player of the Season award for his efforts in the 2021/22 campaign.
That season was the 29-year-old’s last taste of Premier League football, although now, he is set to return to England’s top-flight with the Eagles.
Crystal Palace are close to sealing Johnstone’s arrival on a free transfer, which would represent a bargain, given the fact West Brom paid £6.5m for his signature.
Interestingly, the south Londoners have scouted the shot-stopper since 2017.
The news will come as a blow to Tottenham and West Ham, who were also hoping to take advantage of this interesting market opportunity.
However, Spurs seem to have turned their focus to Fraser Forster, who is set to arrive from Southampton to replace Pierluigi Gollini as deputy to Hugo Lloris.
In 36 Championship appearances this season, Johnstone kept 15 clean sheets, while conceding just 33 goals.
Tottenham & West Ham will be jealous of Crystal Palace
Signing an England international for free isn’t something that happens often, and the south Londoners deserve credit for making their move.
Vieira has given Vicente Guaita 30 starts in the Premier League this season, while Jack Butland was handed just eight starts.
However, the Spaniard is now 35, and his contract expires in 12 months.
Therefore, we believe Crystal Palace have seized an opportunity to replace Guaita early, and will go into the 2023/24 campaign with Johnstone, Butland and Remi Matthews as the goalkeeping options.
To have two England internationals in the goalkeeping department would be quite something for Vieira, to say the least.
Keep an eye on this situation, as there could soon be an announcement.
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