Leeds United given green light to sign ‘sensational’ England international, 49ers told to pay £8m

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It’s back to the drawing board for Leeds United in the hunt for a new goalkeeper as Brentford close in on the signing of Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool – but Leeds do have options.

Leeds were among the clubs to enquire about Ireland international Kelleher. But Brentford moved quickly after Mark Flekken agreed a move to Bayer Leverkusen, with Kelleher now set to move to West London.

Not long after Kelleher’s £18m move had been reported, Leeds were strongly linked with Newcastle’s Nick Pope again. It is expected Pope will be available as The Toon pursue a move to sign James Trafford.

There are plenty of shot-stoppers being linked with Leeds, with Chelsea also willing to listen to offers for Djordje Petrovic. But now, it appears Wolves and England star Sam Johnstone could be the one for Leeds.

• READ MORE: Leeds could finally replace Chris Wood if they land 32-year-old’s signature

Sam Johnstone gives Leeds United the green light over move

Johnstone only joined Wolves from Crystal Palace last summer, but the 32-year-old is keen to move again after he played back-up to Jose Sa. The England international wants game time ahead of the World Cup.

Leeds have already been linked with the former West Brom and Aston Villa star, but now TeamTalk offer more details. They say a move to land Johnstone from Wolves will set The 49ers back £8m this summer.

But perhaps more importantly, Johnstone wants to join Leeds. He is keen on a move to Elland Road as it hands him the chance to become a first-choice goalkeeper again in the Premier League ahead of 25-26.

What Sam Allardyce and Gary Lineker have said about Johnstone

Johnstone still has plenty of years ahead of him and is vastly experienced in both the Premier League and the Championship. Yet, his arrival as the club’s no.1 would be deemed underwhelming by Leeds fans.

However, Sam Allardyce has described Johnstone as one of the best goalkeepers he has worked with, after their time together at The Hawthorns. Gary Lineker branded Johnstone “sensational” at Preston.

Johnstone is available, cheap and keen to join Leeds. A goalkeeper with Premier League experience and England caps. But if Leeds get the choice between Pope and Johnstone, then it has got to be the former.