Double Championship deal to fulfil two of Conte’s six transfer needs for Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur could make two signings from the Championship after learning that Sam Johnstone wants to join them, according to reports.
After making a couple of signings in the January transfer window, it could be a busy summer for Spurs. With Champions League football a possibility, Antonio Conte will want to ensure he has appropriate squad depth.
A recent report has claimed Conte wants six signings to strengthen his ranks in the summer. On the agenda are deals for a goalkeeper, centre-back, right wing-back, two midfielders and a forward.
To tick off the first of those items, Tottenham Hotspur have been targeting Sam Johnstone. The England international will be out of contract with West Bromwich Albion in the summer.
Having previously impressed when they were in the Premier League, he could be ready for a step back up to the top-flight on a free transfer.
According to Football Insider, Tottenham look likely to be able to give him that chance. In fact, he has supposedly told his close contacts that he wants to join the north London club.
Despite conceding that he will likely serve as a backup to Hugo Lloris at first, Johnstone is confident of claiming a more regular berth in the long-term.
He will hope to make a better attempt of it than Pierluigi Gollini has during his loan spell from Atalanta, which is unlikely to become a permanent switch. Therefore, there is a space for Johnstone to fill.
At the age of 29, it is an ideal time for Johnstone to step back up into the Premier League. And it seems Tottenham is his preferred destination, despite other links with the likes of Manchester United and Everton.
His arrival would increase Tottenham’s homegrown quota, which is important. The same would be the case for another Championship talent they have their eyes on.
Djed Spence to sign after Sam Johnstone?
That man is Djed Spence, who is currently thriving on loan at Nottingham Forest from Middlesbrough. The right wing-back looks ready to test himself in the top flight for the first time.
Spurs want Sam Johnstone as back-up GK
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking for a new back-up keeper for next season and top of their list is West Bromwich Albion keeper Sam Johnstone, who has enjoyed a good season at the Hawthorn’s.
He has been linked with Tottenham and their north London rivals Arsenal. But the Telegraph have written that Spurs could be the ones to make a move for Spence.
The 21-year-old would strengthen an important part of Conte’s system. Under contract with Boro until 2024, he could be an accessible target.
Spurs are also looking at Torino wide man Wilfried Singo for the same role. However, quotas on foreign players mean Spence is the likelier target at this stage, unless Tottenham can offload another non-Englishman.
Even working in certain parameters, though, it seems their plans are beginning to fall into place.
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