Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly emerged as the favourites to sign former Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

According to football.london, Tottenham have identified West Bromwich Albion’s Sam Johnstone as a solid backup for captain Hugo Lloris. They also believe that the 29-year-old shot-stopper could take over from Lloris in the long term. At 35, the French goalkeeper is not getting any younger and Tottenham are already preparing for life without him.

Johnstone is a Manchester United youth product but could never break into the club’s first team, failing to make any appearance for the senior side. The English goalkeeper was sent on multiple loans, but his breakthrough season came with Aston Villa, when he helped the club get to the Championship play-offs, keeping 20 clean sheets in 45 appearances in the 2017/18 season.

That was enough for West Bromwich Albion to sign the 29-year-old goalkeeper permanently in 2018. Johnstone kept nine clean sheets in the league, helping the club to the Championship play-offs. Though West Brom faltered in the final, Johnstone kept performing in a similar fashion, keeping 14 clean sheets in the league next season to help the Baggies gain promotion.

Though West Brom were immediately relegated back to the Championship, Johnstone maintained his level of performance. The English international has performed quite well this season, and has thus caught the eyes of Tottenham Hotspur, who could make a summer move for him.

Johnstone has enjoyed a solid season in goal for the Baggies (Picture Courtesy - AFP/Getty Images)
Johnstone has enjoyed a solid season in goal for the Baggies (Picture Courtesy – AFP/Getty Images)

Spurs want to add some home-grown players to their roster this coming summer and have thus zeroed in on the 29-year-old shot-stopper. They had signed Pierluigi Gollini on a year-long loan from Atalanta but are reportedly not interested in making his stay permanent as their interest in the English international suggests.

Tottenham believe that Johnstone can push Lloris and eventually succeed him as the club’s number one keeper. The former Manchester United goalkeeper will be available for a free transfer this coming summer as his West Brom contract expires following the culmination of the ongoing season.

Tottenham are also looking to add reinforcements in other positions, and it remains to be seen if Johnstone will also be part of a summer overhaul at the north London club.

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