Report: Spurs had all-but secured ‘outstanding’ signing, now London rivals are trying to hijack move

Thu 19 May 2022 19:15, UK

Over the past few weeks, Tottenham Hotspur were reported to have sealed a deal for Sam Johnstone.

Earlier in May, claimed that Spurs were set to win the race for the England international goalkeeper.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy apparently sees him as a bargain acquisition that can add quality to the squad.

Likewise, reported that Tottenham ‘are set’ to sign Johnstone on a free transfer.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte wants more competition for Hugo Lloris, who recently penned a new deal at N17.

Pierluigi Gollini, Tottenham’s second-choice keeper, is on loan and looks unlikely to stay beyond the summer.

Meanwhile, Johnstone will leave West Brom at the end of the season once his contract expires.

However, have now published a report claiming one of Spurs’ London rivals are now making their move.

Transfer insider Alex Crook claimed that Crystal Palace are pursuing a deal for the 29-year-old.

Both Vicente Guaita and Jack Butland are out of contract in 2023.

The former has that he’s happy at Palace, but has also admitted he’d like to return to Valencia at some point.

“Ready for one of the top six”

This is a frustrating report for Tottenham fans, who’d have been hoping the Johnstone deal was sealed.

Johnstone would be an ideal signing for Spurs – he’s incredibly talented, experienced, and knows the Premier League well.

In January last year, Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle waxed lyrical about Johnstone in the .

“I really like Sam Johnstone, the goalkeeper at West Brom,” he wrote.

“I think he is ready for one of the top six clubs to go and get him.

“I’ve seen him four times this year and he has been outstanding.”

But that’s exactly what makes him a prime target for many clubs, so perhaps it’s not a surprise.

However, Tottenham will likely have the edge over Palace in terms of being able to offer European – perhaps even Champions League – football.