Crystal Palace 'close in on Sam Johnstone signing'

Crystal Palace have closed in on the signing of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a free transfer following his release from West Bromwich Albion, according to a report.

The Baggies were keen to extend the 29-year-old's four-year stay at The Hawthorns, but after their failure to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, the shot stopper confirmed that he would be leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract in June.

As a result, after making 36 Championship appearances last season, manager Steve Bruce opted not to select Johnstone for the remaining five games of their disappointing campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur have long been linked with a move for the Manchester United academy product, but they have since made the move to bring in Southampton's Fraser Forster on a free transfer to act as backup to first-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

West Ham United have also been linked with a move for Johnstone this summer, but The Athletic are reporting that Patrick Vieira's side are close to agreeing a deal to bring him to Selhurst Park.

The report suggests that a five-year deal is close to being agreed between the player's representatives and the Premier League outfit, and should the transfer be completed, it would see Johnstone compete with Vicente Guaita for the number one jersey at the Eagles.

After an impressive 2020-21 season in the top flight with West Brom, Johnstone was handed his England debut by Gareth Southgate in June 2021, and was an unused substitute for all of his country's games in their run to the 2020 European Championship final last summer.

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Source: SportsMole