Crystal Palace are uninterested in selling goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to Newcastle United in the January transfer window.
Dean Jones on Give Me Sport that Crystal Palace are uninterested in selling Sam Johnstone amid interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are keen on a new goalkeeper and would prefer a cheaper option to some of the expensive alternatives to replace Nick Pope.
Newcastle United: The Search for a Goalkeeper
Nick Pope’s massive shoulder injury will keep the keeper out of action for almost four or five months, thus missing the majority of the season. Newcastle United are forced into the market to sign another stopper to replace the England international. But most of their options are expensive.
They have considered pulling out of the race for Aaron Ramsdale as a move appears unlikely in the current climate. Newcastle United had considered the Arsenal star as the best alternative to Pope but remain wary of the Gunners and their unwillingness to sanction a January exit.
David de Gea remains open to joining Newcastle United. But since early talk of a move in the wake of Pope’s injury, the links have since cooled down. It could have been owing to the Spaniard’s massive salary demands only months after departing Manchester United.
Sam Johnstone on Newcastle United Radar
Now, they are considering an approach for Crystal Palace star Sam Johnstone. The England International is one of the closest profiles to Pope, and hence, the Magpies are reportedly interested in understanding if a move remains a possibility.
Johnstone has become Palace’s leading man between the sticks, and as per Dean Jones, the Eagles are uninterested in selling him mid-season. They could still consider a large offer. But the Magpies are unlikely to offer over the odds for the 30-year-old England international.
Jones said, “I just can’t see Roy Hodgson letting Sam Johnstone go. I know that they’ve got other good goalkeeping options at Palace, but they’ve got so many issues to deal with at the moment. Selling their goalkeeper is just something they’re not going to be open to at all.”
Crystal Palace also signed Dean Henderson to replace Vicente Guaita and to compete with Johnstone. But the former Manchester United star has only recently recovered from his issue. He did start the last two games, but that happened due to Johnstone’s absence.
Johnstone will want regular football under his belt and remains secure in that aspect at Crystal Palace. The 30-year-old might play every week for Newcastle until Pope returns, but that does not guarantee anything for the future.
He will have eyes for a place in the England setup ahead of the Euros, especially with Pope’s injury and Ramsdale’s situation at Arsenal. Hence, he might look to stay put at Selhurst Park beyond the January transfer window.
