Crystal Palace closing in on Sam Johnstone signing | OneFootball

Icon: 90min

90min

·15 June 2022

Crystal Palace closing in on Sam Johnstone signing

Article image:Crystal Palace closing in on Sam Johnstone signing

Crystal Palace are closing in on the signing of Sam Johnstone on a free transfer, 90min understands.

Johnston, who has spent the last four seasons at West Brom, is out of contract at the end of the month and speculation has been rife over where he could end up this summer.


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As reported by 90min, former club Manchester United led the race early on, while Tottenham were also interested before they signed Fraser Forster following the expiration of his Southampton deal.

However, neither club could give him assurances about playing time - even in cup competitions - leading to the stopper exploring different avenues.

Johnstone was considered by Saints as Forster's replacement, but they have instead opted to sign Gavin Bazunu from Manchester City, with that deal set to be confirmed soon.

Nottingham Forest - who have since turned their attentions to Dean Henderson - were another club in the running, as were Newcastle United. But it now appears that Palace have jumped to the front of the queue.

Listen now to 90min's brand new podcast, Talking Transfers, with , Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth. On their most packed show to date, the guys discuss Sadio Mane's valuation as Liverpool win the race for Darwin Nunez, how Marc Roca joining Leeds could allow Kalvin Phillips to depart for long-time admirers Manchester City, the latest on Manchester United’s pursuits of Frenkie de Jong & Antony and much more.

90min understands that the Eagles are closing in on Johnstone's signature as they look to strengthen their squad after a season of progress under Patrick Vieira.

Palace's current number one is Vicente Guaita with Jack Butland playing a backup role last season.

With Guaita now 35, Johnstone will be aiming to usurp the Spaniard as the club's first-choice goalkeeper for the 2022/23 campaign and perhaps even force his way back into England contention.

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