Everton have reportedly joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Sam Johnstone, who will be leaving West Bromwich Albion this summer.
According to the Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are set to be rivalled by Everton in their pursuit of West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who will be a free agent in the summer transfer window.
Johnstone is a product of the Manchester United youth academy but never made a first-team appearance for the Red Devils. After loan spells at Oldham Athletic, Scunthorpe United, Walsall, Yeovil Town, Doncaster Rovers and Preston North End, he joined Aston Villa in January 2017.
Johnstone spent eighteen months on loan at Villa Park before joining West Brom permanently in 2018. During his time with the Baggies, the 29-year-old has made a solid impression, racking up over 160 appearances while also breaking into the English national team setup. But with his contract running out at the end of the season, Johnstone has decided to move on in the summer.
Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the favourites to sign Johnstone on a Bosman deal. The Lilywhites extended the contract of Hugo Lloris for another year but are unlikely to sign Pierluigi Gollini permanently. So, they need a shot-stopper to deputise for their club captain before taking over as the first-choice goalkeeper from next year onwards.
Johnstone, to that end, has emerged as a key target for Tottenham owing to his vast experience in English football and his potential free agency status. However, the north London club must now face competition from Premier League rivals Everton for the 29-year-old England star.
Everton have a top goalkeeper in their ranks in Jordan Pickford. The English international has been in good form this term despite the club battling relegation. And it has led to concerns within the Toffees’ ranks that they might lose their No. 1 in the summer if they end up facing the drop or if a bigger club comes calling for him.
To that end, Everton are preparing for contingencies and have identified Johnstone as a possible alternative for Pickford. Apart from Everton and Tottenham, there is also interest from West Ham United and Southampton. But, as per recent reports, Johnstone prefers a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which gives the north London giants a huge advantage ever Everton and his other suitors.
