Newcastle United are reportedly plotting a move for Crystal Palace shot-stopper Sam Johnstone after Nick Pope suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
According to Daily Star, Newcastle are eyeing a cut-price winter move for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who only recently put pen to paper on a new long-term contract extension until 2027 at Selhurst Park.
The Magpies’ injury list appears to get bigger every single week, and the latest blow came in the form of number one, Nick Pope. The Englishman had to be substituted in the 86th minute during the 1-0 win over Manchester United last Saturday after dislocating his shoulder, and he looks set to be out for the majority of the season.
That is a big setback for the Magpies. After all, Pope has been fantastic for Newcastle United since joining from Burnley in July 2022, having kept 26 clean sheets in 62 games.
While Howe has full faith in veteran back-up and former No. 1 Martin Dubravka between the sticks for now, Newcastle are already discussing potential solutions they could seek to explore in the transfer market to bolster their goalkeeping department if Howe and his recruitment team look to bring in another body to provide further competition in goal.
Among the options is free-agent and ex-Manchester United star David de Gea, who is open to the move. But the Toon have “concerns” about his lack of match sharpness. Arsenal backup Aaron Ramsdale is also highly rated by the Newcastle hierarchy. But the Gunners are reluctant to sanction a winter sale for the former Bournemouth man amidst David Raya’s inconsistent form.
As per Daily Star, Newcastle are now ready to sound out 30-year-old Crystal Palace goalkeeper Johnstone as cost-effective short-term cover. The former West Bromwich Albion star has established himself as the London club’s first-choice goalkeeper after the summer departure of former stalwart Vicente Guaita, earning a place in Gareth Southgate’s England setup ahead of Euro 2024.
Johnstone’s impressive form could have kept out £15 million summer signing and fellow England international Dean Henderson at Selhurst Park had his compatriot not been injured. However, a change of guard could take place in the near future, with Crystal Palace willing to cash in on Johnston come January. And Newcastle believe that a low bid under £8 million should be enough to prise the player away from Selhurst Park.
Johnstone’s forced exit late in Saturday’s narrow 2-1 loss to Liverpool with a calf problem is a concern that might derail Newcastle’s potential pursuit, with the injury set to keep the Crystal Palace keeper out of action over the Christmas period.
