Football
Exclusive: Leicester and Stoke Consider Move for Wantaway Wolves Keeper Sam Johnstone
Sam Johnstone wants to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers to find more game time. Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland are interested in the England goalkeeper. Johnstone is willing to move back to the Championship for a starting role. Stoke and Leicester could offer him a lifeline. Wolves are resigned to making a loss on the £10million fee they paid for him just 12 months ago. Johnstone's experience could boost a Championship promotion bid.
Ipswich Town FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC | Getty Images
Sam Johnstone wants out of Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, SportsBoom sources can exclusively reveal.
The England shot-stopper was the source on interest from all three teams who got promoted to the Premier League: Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland.
But hopes of staying in the top flight seem to be slipping away just a year after his £10million Molyneux move.
Johnstone is desperate for game time and it is understood he would be willing to move back to the Championship in order to be a number one.
The 32-year-old was on Scott Parker’s shortlist of keepers to replace James Trafford, who moved back to Manchester City this summer. But the Clarets opted for Newcastle United’s Martin Dubravka, who was a cheaper option.
Sunderland also went away from a swoop for Johnstone in favour of promising Dutch 22-year-old Robin Roefs.
Johnstone left Crystal Palace for Wolves last summer, but found himself behind Portugal’s Jose Sa, making just seven Premier League appearances and used solely in the FA Cup after Christmas.
DECISION TO MAKE
Leicester and Stoke, who are both exploring their options for their respective second-tier campaigns, could offer Johnstone a lifeline to end his short-lived Molyneux spell.
Stoke’s Viktor Johansson has been given permission to leave the club if a Premier League suitor comes calling with West Ham among a number of clubs circling for the Swedish stopper.
And Mark Robins is keen to push the button on a move for Manchester United academy product Johnstone if the keeper leaves the bet365 stadium.
It is understood that Wolves are resigned to making a loss on the eight-figure fee they paid for the player just 12 months ago.
Johnstone, who has made four senior England appearances, would be a huge boost to a Championship promotion bid.
He helped West Bromwich Albion to the Premier League in the 2019-20 season and was voted their Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year the following season.
Shane is a respected journalist who has covered a range of sports for a number of years.