Southampton remain keen on signing West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, but the south-coast club are ‘looking at other targets’ in case they fail to secure the player’s signature, claims journalist Tom Barclay.
The Lowdown: Interest in Johnstone
With the 29-year-old out of contract in the summer, a number of Premier League clubs have been circling the West Brom man as they look to secure him on a free transfer.
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will battle it out for the England international’s signature in the summer. They also report that a host of other clubs, including Southampton, are thought to be interested in the signing.
The former Man United shot-stopper has been on Ralph Hasenhuttl’s radar for a while, with Saints’ interest reported back in November.
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The Latest: Barclay’s claim
Barclay believes that despite Southampton’s best efforts, Johnstone is likely to join Tottenham upon the expiry of his current contract.
However, the journalist understands that Saints have made backup plans, in case they fail to secure the 29-year-old. Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed: “I wouldn’t say their interest has cooled, but they are just waiting to see what Johnstone’s answer is.
“I think Tottenham are most likely to sign him, but it’s down to the player and Southampton have still got their hat in the ring.
“They haven’t given up on that one, but I do know they are looking at other targets as well.”
The Verdict: Could still be done
Having been described by England legend Glenn Hoddle as “outstanding”, it is unsurprising to see the vast interest that Johnstone is attracting.
Hoddle’s claim is supported by the Englishman’s underlying stats, for which he ranks in the 99th percentile for goal kicks and average length of goal kicks (via FB Ref), suggesting the step up to a top flight outfit wanting ball-playing ability between the posts shouldn’t be difficult.
With all four of Southampton’s keepers currently set to leave at the end of the season upon the expiry of their contracts, this could guarantee Johnstone a starting position in a Premier League XI, so perhaps that is one piece of pulling power in Saints’ favour – go to Tottenham and play second fiddle or join Ralph and start from the off.
In other news: Southampton: Tom Barclay drops Fraser Forster contract claim