Tottenham are in the race for West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone with Antonio Conte unconvinced by summer signing Pierluigi Gollini, according to talkSPORT.
Johnstone, 28, is entering the final six months of his contract with the Championship outfit and has been garnering plenty of interest from clubs around the Premier League.
talkSPORT claim West Ham, Southampton and Newcastle have been keeping tabs on the England international, while Tottenham have now also emerged in the chasing pack.
Spurs are facing the prospect of losing long-term number one Hugo Lloris with the Frenchman having entered the final year of his contract, although Conte revealed this week that he expects the keeper to sign a new deal.
talkSPORT correspondent Alex Crook said: “Sam Johnstone very much wants to be part of England’s World Cup plans – I think he knows to achieve that he has to be back in the Premier League sooner rather than later.
“I’m hearing Tottenham are joining the likes of Newcastle, Southampton and West Ham in showing a definite interest in Sam Johnstone.
“Hugo Lloris is out of contract himself in the summer, he hasn’t agreed a new one and as of January 1st he can sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs.
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“I am told Antonio Conte does want to keep hold of Hugo Lloris but it would be foolhardy not to look for alternative options.”
It has also been revealed that Spurs’ interest in Johnstone does not stem only from fear of losing Lloris, but also through Conte’s concerns over loanee Gollini.
The 26-year-old joined the club on loan from Atalanta in the summer and has played a back-up role, but some of his performances have often flattered to deceive.
Crook added: “I know Antonio Conte isn’t convinced by Pierluigi Gollini – the goalkeeper who they signed from Atalanta in the summer. I don’t think they will be taking up the option to make that permanent.
“Sam Johnstone is very much on Tottenham’s radar.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Johnstone seems like a decent option to come in alongside signing Lloris to a new contract. Obviously, the club may have some concerns over the performances of Gollini and may look to recruit another back-up, but the priority really is getting Lloris signed up.
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