Promoted Leeds United Looking to Sign Wolves Shot-Stopper Sam Johnstone

Premier League-bound Leeds United are desperate to sign a new shot-stopper, with Wolves keeper Sam Johnstone top of their hit list in a deal rumoured to be worth up to £15million.

SportsBoom sources understand Leeds’ boss Daniel Farke has identified highly-rated Johnstone, capped four times by England, as the ideal for out-of-favour Ilan Meslier, after a series of mistakes cost him his starting place this season.

France keeper Meslier has not played since 29th Match when Farke dropped him after a series of faltering displays between the posts.

That lack of form allowed Welshman Karl Darlow to start in all five of Leeds’ matches since.

The 34-year-old has conceded just two goals during those five matches, with three cleansheets as Leeds claimed four wins and a draw to secure their promotion back to the top flight with two games to spare.

But Darlow is not seen as Leeds’ long-term first-choice keeper, especially at 34 because his best years are, respectively, behind him.

So Johnstone, 32, is being sought as Farke looks to strengthen at the back ahead of what promises to be a baptism of fire back in the Premier League next season.

Johnstone has played just ten games this season, with seven starts in the Premier League and is understandably hungry to play regular football next season.

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Experienced Portugal international Jose Sa is the Wolves’ number one keeper this season with 27 appearances under his belt.

That has meant Johnstone has had to wait patiently for his chance, barring a brief spell in the team at the start of this season.

Johnstone started his career with Manchester United but didn’t start a game for the Red Devils during a six-year spell with the club, which largely featured being sent out on loan each season.

Loan spells with Scunthorpe United, Walsall, Yeovil Town, Doncaster Rovers, Preston North End, Aston Villa and West Brom prove just how much of a journeyman keeper Johnstone has become.

But the chance to start for Leeds next season in the Premier League next season would arguably be right up as one of the biggest achievement of his professional career.

Johnstone enjoyed a season in the Premier League with West Brom in 2020-21 and two seasons with Crystal Palace in the top-flight in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns respectively.

However, a lack of first team action could see the keeper make a summer move to Elland Road.