Alex McLeish has claimed that Tottenham’s rumoured pursuit of West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone could be smart business for the club, if they can secure him on a free transfer.
The 28-year-old’s contract with the Baggies is set to expire at the end of the season, which will surely spark the attention of a number of clubs.
Reports emerged that Tottenham had placed their interest on the table, after sending a scout to watch Johnstone in action against Preston North End a fortnight ago.
Spurs themselves are undergoing a period of uncertainty with their number one Hugo Lloris, whose contract is set to run out at the end of June.
Former Premier League boss McLeish has backed Johnstone to take the place of Lloris in North London and feels a potential free deal could be good business for Spurs.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “It’s smart business if they can get him on a free. If he’s at a level where it can definitely get higher then it’s great business.
“He’s not going to come and usurp Lloris right away, is he? If he’s one they can work with and they can groom him to be the next Spurs number one, then it’s good business.
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“Business is business. Notably, you don’t hear them linked with a £40-50million goalkeeper, do we? That’ll be down to the recruitment team.
“If they’re doing a good job, then it has to be done.”
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Johnstone’s contract situation at West Brom has attracted a whole load of interest from sides looking to capture a cheap deal for a starting goalkeeper.
You’d feel as if Lloris and Spurs will come to an agreement over a short-term deal at some point, but Johnstone is a decent option on the cards, especially for free.
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