Tottenham 'high up' in race to sign 6ft 4in colossus Glenn Hoddle has called 'outstanding' - journalist

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Tottenham Hotspur are “pretty high up” in the race to sign Sam Johnstone this summer, according to Pete O’Rourke.

The journalist made the claim on GiveMeSport as they analysed Spurs’ reported interest in the England international.

Earlier this month, Sky Sports claimed that Tottenham are hoping to sign the West Brom goalkeeper on a free transfer.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte reportedly wants more competition for Hugo Lloris, who recently penned a new deal at N17.

Pierluigi Gollini, Tottenham’s second-choice keeper, is on loan and looks unlikely to stay beyond the summer.

Meanwhile, Johnstone will leave The Hawthorns at the end of the season once his contract expires.

Two weeks ago, Baggies boss Steve Bruce confirmed that the 6ft 4in stopper had decided not to pen fresh terms.

He also suggested Johnstone has played his final game for Albion as the coach starts to plan for next season.

“I’ve had a word with Sam,” The Mirror quoted Bruce as saying.

“Sam looks as if he’s decided to let his contract run down and that is his prerogative.

“We haven’t been able to get him a deal, so I’ll have a look at Button and see how he does.”

Johnstone hasn’t made the bench for the last three matches.

He is likely to sit out West Brom’s final two Championship fixtures against Reading and Barnsley.

Although Tottenham have competition for Johnstone’s services, O’Rourke feels they’re in a good position to sign him.

“It seems like Spurs are pretty high up chasing Sam Johnstone, who’s obviously a free agent,” he wrote on GiveMeSport.

“He would be a good signing for them, he’s an England international and he would provide good competition and cover for Lloris.

“And he would be better than what Spurs have got with Gollini not really staking a claim since his arrival last summer.”

“Ready for one of the top six”

In January last year, Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle waxed lyrical about the 29-year-old in the Evening Standard.

“I really like Sam Johnstone, the goalkeeper at West Brom,” he wrote.

“I think he is ready for one of the top six clubs to go and get him.

“I’ve seen him four times this year and he has been outstanding.

“If West Brom can get out of the hole they are in, he could be the one to save them.”