Crystal Palace reserve keeper Sam Johnstone eyed by TWO Championship clubs for summer transfer but only if they go up
CRYSTAL PALACE’S forgotten keeper Sam Johnstone is a target for two Prem wannabes.
Championship duo Sheffield United and West Brom both want a new No 1 if they go up.
Blades will review plans this summer, while the Baggies would love their former player back.
Johnstone, 29, is behind first-choice Vicente Guaita, and Palace value him at about £5-6million.
Neither suitor could afford him if they fail to go up, as both would have small budgets.
During his tie at the Hawthorns, Johnstone was able to earn recognition from the England set-up making his senior debut in a friendly match against Romania in 2021.
The Blades would need to have their transfer embargo removed if they were to try and complete a deal to sign the goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, Palace have talked caretaker boss Paddy McCarthy into staying after two approaches from rival clubs.
Ex-Eagles skipper and defender McCarthy, 39, has stepped up from the Under-21s after Patrick Vieira’s sacking and the club want to keep him despite interest from Oxford and MK Dons.
Former manager Roy Hodgson is in the frame to replace Vieira on a short-term contract until the end of the season.
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The former England boss remains a popular figure with many first-team players at Palace.
Meanwhile, attention will be focused on getting a result against league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates.