Sam Johnstone ready to quit Wolves and sign for Leeds – sources
Sam Johnstone is ready to leave Wolves this summer amid growing interest from Leeds United, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 32-year-old is keen to play first-team football next season and unlikely to get it at Molineux.
Leeds view him as an upgrade on Illan Meslier, who was axed from the starting XI under Daniel Farke amid concerns about his performances.
This comes after former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds are plotting a move for Johnstone ahead of the summer window.
Since his £10million move to Wolves from Crystal Palace last summer, the goalkeeper has started just seven league games and wants to move on in search of regular football.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Johnstone is interested in joining Farke’s side where he would be given the opportunity to play in the Premier League.
Leeds eye Sam Johnstone deal after Illan Meslier latest
Leeds’ interest in Johnstone has come amid doubts about Meslier’s future after falling out of favour under Farke in the closing stages of the season.
Brown told Football Insider on 9 April that Leeds will entertain offers for Meslier and sign a top-class replacement as they prepare to return to the Premier League.
Errors throughout the season including those against Portsmouth, Sunderland, Hull City and Preston North End cost his side valuable points in the race for promotion.
Despite ultimately clinching the title on the final day, there is a feeling at Elland Road that it would have been far more comfortable with a reliable presence between the sticks.
Meanwhile, former Leeds shot-stopper Paul Robinson told Football Insider in January that Leeds want to sign a top-class goalkeeper amid concerns about the Frenchman.
Jamie Vardy update emerges at Elland Road
Alongside the addition of a new goalkeeper, the Elland Road club are also looking to strengthen at striker ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Brown told Football Insider on 6 May that Leeds are considering signing Jamie Vardy after he announced he would be leaving Leicester on a free at the end of the season.
Vardy’s experience and goalscoring prowess are seen as key assets for Farke’s side as they prepare to make the step up to the top tier of English football.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 13 April that Leeds are prioritising signing a striker as they do not believe Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe are Premier League players.
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