Tottenham Hotspur are ready to make a January bid for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone – but he may cost as much as £20million.
That’s according to The Sunday Mirror (03/10, p71), who claim that Tottenham have scouted Johnstone on multiple occasions.
Johnstone fancies a return to the Premier League in the near future as he looks to add England caps to his name.
The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, but it’s stated that West Brom want £20million for him.
That seems like a lot of money considering Johnstone can leave for nothing at the end of the season.
Maybe West Brom feel selling Johnstone in January could cost them promotion, hence the asking price.
Do Tottenham actually need Johnstone?
Johnstone is a quality goalkeeper – outstanding according to Glenn Hoddle – but Tottenham making a cash bid sounds unlikely.
Tottenham still have Hugo Lloris at least until the end of the season.
Pierluigi Gollini is also on loan with the option of a permanent move, offering fine backup to Lloris.
Adding another goalkeeper in January just doesn’t feel like a priority right now.
If Tottenham can’t keep Lloris, maybe Johnstone comes into the thinking, but a January deal shouldn’t be a focus – especially at that price.
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