Rob Green was excellent for Leeds United last season but former Aston Villa loanee Sam Johnstone is 13 years younger.
Aston Villa want to keep Sam Johnstone but face competition
There are a number of positions Leeds United could do with strengthening this summer. A new left-back is a must while added options at centre-half, attacking midfield and up front wouldn’t go amiss.
However, one role that does not immediately jump out as being in desperate need of reinforcement is between the sticks. Therefore, it may come as a bit of a surprise to learn that Leeds have joined the chase for Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to the Daily Mail.
The report adds that Sunderland, Watford, Leicester City and Aston Villa, where the 24-year-old spent an impressive spell on loan last season, are interested in the £5 million-rated shot-stopper.
On further inspection, however, a deal for Johnstone makes perfect sense for Leeds. After all, Marco Silvestri is expected to depart this summer after making a grand total of zero Championship appearances last season.
Marco Silvestri
Gianluca Di Marzio claims that newly promoted Serie A outfit SPAL are keen on bringing Silvestri back to his homeland while Bologna have also been heavily linked in recent weeks.
Furthermore, the man who took his place in Leeds’ starting XI, Rob Green, is not getting any younger. The former England number one may have triggered a one-year contract extension after rolling back the years at Elland Road but the fact he is 37 years of age means Leeds must start planning for life without him.
Rob Green
A bid for Johnstone would suggest they are doing exactly that.
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