Newcastle United are viewing West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as a possible alternative to Lazio stopper Thomas Strakosha.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who claim that Strakosha isn’t the only goalkeeper Newcastle want.
Newcastle won’t have it easy though, with the Daily Mail claiming that Tottenham are preparing an offer of their own for Johnstone.
The Sun claim that Newcastle want to land Strakosha and are willing to offer him a pre-contract agreement in January.
Yet the noises from Italy suggest that Newcastle do have other options away from Albanian ace Strakosha.
One of them is believed to be Johnstone, though this has yet to be corroborated by any reliable sources in England.
The Italian press may have ties to Newcastle’s goalkeeper search because of Strakosha though, and maybe Johnstone’s name has popped up during talks with Strakosha’s representatives.
Johnstone can be a bargain for Newcastle
Just like Strakosha, Johnstone is available for nothing at the end of the season.
Johnstone’s West Bromwich Albion contract ends next summer, and it looks like he will be leaving on a free transfer.
In order to further his England aspirations, Johnstone will need Premier League football.
Newcastle aren’t exactly secure in that sense, but you can understand why some at St James’ Park may prefer Johnstone to Strakosha.
Johnstone knows the English game and the Premier League, meaning his adjustment period would likely be shorter than Strakosha’s.
Johnstone may not be the ‘sexy’ choice, but Newcastle could do a lot worse.
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