Newcastle told to pay ‘£10m’ to complete Johnstone signing – ‘he’ll be at the club four-five years’
Noel Whelan has urged Newcastle to open the chequebook to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in January.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, is adamant a bid of around £10million could secure the 28-year-old’s signature.
As reported by Italian outlet Calciomercato (28 November), Newcastle are interested in Johnstone and Lazio stopper Thomas Strakosha ahead of the winter window.
Newcastle have conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season (30) – two more than 18th-place Norwich.
Football Insider revealed last week (23 November) that the club will only make loan signings in the winter window.
However, Whelan suggested it may be worth reversing this policy with Johnstone representing value for money due to his potential longevity.
“It would be a real no brainer for Newcastle, but West Brom won’t want to lose him,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“If he’s leaving at the end of the season, they may as well keep him at the club – he could make the difference in their promotion bid.
“So I can’t see a loan for him happening, I would be very surprised if it did. Maybe Johnstone is a player Newcastle could buy outright, so West Brom can get some money in.
“It won’t be a lot of money – around £8-10million would probably do the trick and Newcastle would be getting a very good goalkeeper for that figure.
“If Newcastle are going to spend any money in January, it may as well be on him – at least they know he will be at the club for 4-5 years.”
The Magpies were handed a blow at St James’ Park yesterday (30 November).
A late Norwich equaliser denied the Magpies their first league win this term.
In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor swipes back at Newcastle after Twitter claim.