New favourite named in Leeds, Sunderland and Burnley race to sign Sam Johnstone
Burnley have emerged as the favourites ahead of Leeds United and Sunderland in the race to sign Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
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 is Scott Parker’s top target to replace James Trafford.
Johnstone’s Premier League experience and reliability are seen as key assets for the Clarets as they prepare to fight for survival next season.
Football Insider revealed in May that Johnstone is ready to leave Wolves in this summer’s transfer window in search of increased playing time.
The goalkeeper made just seven Premier League appearances for Wolves after his £10million move from Crystal Palace last year but is keen to play more regular minutes.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 8 July that Sunderland and Leeds are interested in Johnstone as all three newly-promoted sides look to strengthen in goal.
Burnley set sights on Sam Johnstone after James Trafford sale
Brown told Football Insider on 18 July that Burney are working on signing Trafford’s replacement as he looked set to join Newcastle before Man City’s move.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United and knows Johnstone well from his time at Old Trafford, insisted the goalkeeper would be an ideal replacement for Trafford at Turf Moor.
“I hear Burnley are interested in Sam Johnstone,” he told Football Insider.
“They’re probably the favourites at the moment ahead of other interested teams.
“Burnley are going to need a new goalkeeper because Trafford is leaving, but they’ve been prepared for that, and it could be a good move both for them and for him.
“Sam has been around for a while now at a few different clubs and he’s never been found wanting at Premier League level.
“He’s a very solid and stable character and a top goalkeeper as well.
“If he goes to Burnley, he’ll be their first-choice, it’s not like at Wolves or Palace where he’s had competition for his place in the side.
“So it will allow him to play regularly and try to get back in the England squad.
“I think it’s exactly the type of move he needs to make, and he’d be the ideal option for Burnley.
“He’ll bring his experience and stability and allow them to have a reliable option in goal.”
Maxime Esteve update emerges amid Tottenham interest
Trafford is not the only player who has been heavily linked with a move away from Turf Moor following their promotion to the Premier League.
Football Insider revealed on 13 July that Tottenham are interested in signing Maxime Esteve but are unlikely to meet his £50million asking price.
This came after Football Insider revealed Crystal Palace and Everton also want Esteve as interest in the star defender continues to grow.
Now, despite the speculation, the centre-back now looks set to sign a new contract with Burnley to commit his long-term future to the club where he has become a crucial player.
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