Newcastle United are among the clubs interested in the services of West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
According to Calciomercato, Sam Johnstone has become a hot commodity in the transfer market, as clubs look to prise him away from the Championship with the prospect of playing at a higher level. One of the clubs interested in the West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper are Newcastle United as we head towards the winter transfer window.
A product of the Manchester United youth academy, Johnstone has been a major success at West Brom since joining the club in 2018. In just three and a half years, the goalkeeper has notched up 150 competitive appearances for the club, playing a vital role in their ascension to the Premier League during his second season.
Johnstone made a solid impression in the Premier League as well, emerging as one of the league’s busiest goalkeepers during the 2020/21 campaign. Yet shockingly, the Englishman ended up remaining at the Hawthorns following the Baggies’ relegation, despite interest from a host of clubs across England.
However, it appears the 28-year-old could finally be on the verge of a return to the top-flight, with Newcastle United keen on acquiring his services in January.
The Magpies are set to undergo a major overhaul in mid-season, as the new owners look to bring star players in an attempt to launch their project of making NUFC one of the best clubs in world football. However, for the moment, Newcastle are in immediate danger of being relegated.
In an attempt to avoid the drop, their coach Eddie Howe will be provided with a significant transfer kitty in January. One of the priorities for the ex-Bournemouth coach is strengthening the defensive unit, with the Magpies having conceded more goals than any other team in the league so far.
They are prepared to address the problem by bringing in Johnstone. With a save percentage rate of around 70% in each of his last five seasons, the three-time capped England international could be an ideal option for the Magpies as they look to move on from the likes of Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow.
However, with West Ham, Tottenham and Southampton also involved in the chase, Newcastle United are set to face massive competition for the pursuit of Johnstone in this winter transfer window. With the 28-year-old’s contract expiring at the end of the season, he could be available for a cut-price deal in January. Whether Newcastle act on their interest in him remains to be seen.
