‘Leeds turn attention to signing Sam Johnstone – I know him well…’
Leeds United are plotting a move to sign Wolves and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone ahead of a busy summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 32-year-old would represent a very strong option for Leeds.
Since his move to Wolves from Crystal Palace last summer, Johnstone has started just seven Premier League games and is now keen to move on in search of regular football.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Leeds plan to sell Illan Meslier and replace him with a top-class goalkeeper, with a number of options on their radar.
The 25-year-old has made multiple costly errors this season, leading to Daniel Farke‘s decision to axe him from his starting XI in the closing stages of the season.
Johnstone, meanwhile, was a regular part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad before an untimely injury ruled him out of Euro 2024, and he has since missed out due to his lack of playing time at Wolves.
Leeds plot Sam Johnstone swoop after Wolves ‘nightmare’
Brown told Football Insider in January that Leeds want to sign a new goalkeeper in the summer window amid growing concerns about Meslier’s ability.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Johnstone is seen as a solid and stable replacement for their shot-stopper.
“Sam Johnstone is a very capable goalkeeper,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s played for England and was a regular in the squad until fairly recently.
“Leeds see him as an upgrade on Meslier, because of his Premier League experience, and he’s far more assured and confident between the sticks.
“There’s nothing particularly flashy about him, but he’s a very dependable goalkeeper.
“He’s a top lad as well, I knew him when he was coming through at United.
“His problem this season has been that Wolves have had all sorts of problems all over the pitch, apart from in goal where Sa has had a really good season.
“He’s been unlucky there, but that move to Leeds would give him the opportunity to be the first-choice and play regular football.
“Plus, he’s still in his early 30s, which is a good age for a goalkeeper.
“I think it would be a good move not just for Leeds but for Sam as well.”
Aaron Ramsdale update emerges at Elland Road
Alongside Johnstone, Leeds are also targeting another England international goalkeeper to replace Meslier in the form of Aaron Ramsdale.
Football Insider revealed on 13 April that Leeds see Ramsdale as a “great fit” as they are aiming to pursue a new goalkeeper when the window opens.
The 26-year-old is widely expected to leave Southampton this summer thanks to a £25million relegation release clause included in his contract.
More recently, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider Ramsdale would be a “massive” signing for Farke, urging them to “get it done”.
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