Everton are looking towards Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as a potential replacement for Jordan Pickford this summer.
Crystal Palace stopper Sam Johnstone is wanted by Everton this summer as they consider signings in case Jordan Pickford leaves.
That is according to a report from The Sun, who claim that Everton are eyeing up Johnston for a move to Goodison Park.
Pickford only signed a new deal in February, tying himself to the club until the summer of 2027.
Manchester United remain interested though and Everton are eyeing up signing just in case Pickford does move on.
Johnstone – ironically a former United stopper himself – is thought to be a target just a year since joining Crystal Palace.
The 30-year-old left West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer last summer and was hoping to kick on in South London.
Johnstone – hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Glenn Hoddle – only started nine games though, all of them coming under Roy Hodgson as he guided Palace to safety.
Nailed-on playing time and a return to the north of England may well appeal to Preston-born Johnstone, with Everton a potentially attractive option.
Alan Kelly could be key to Sam Johnstone move
There is history in terms of Pickford and Johnstone – and it involves Preston North End.
Johnstone won promotion with hometown club PNE in 2015 having been on loan from Manchester United.
North End wanted to keep Johnstone but that wasn’t possible, meaning they turned to Pickford on loan from Sunderland.
Pickford was so good that Sunderland recalled him and PNE then signed… you guessed it, Johnstone!
A brief loan brought the end of the story but Everton could now replace Pickford with Johnstone too – and the key man here is Alan Kelly.
Everton’s current goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly had the same job at PNE during Pickford and Johnstone’s spells at the club.
The Toffees man knows Johnstone well and is also from Preston, so there is a real connection there as Everton consider a move.
The post Report: Everton want 'outstanding' PL ace if Pickford leaves, could reunite with Toffees coach appeared first on HITC.
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