Nottingham Forest have had their deal for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone rejected ahead of the transfer deadline.
Forest appear to be stepping up their efforts to sign a new goalkeeper before the transfer market ends.
Yesterday, it was reported that Forest were interested in signing Peter Gulacsi, while Kasper Schmeichel was also linked with the club.
According to The Athletic, Forest made an offer to Palace for Johnstone after he lost his place to Dean Henderson.
Forest made a bid to loan the goalie till the end of the season, with a purchase option in the summer. However, the Eagles rejected the bid, and it is believed that he will remain at Selhurst Park beyond this month.
Forest’s need for a goalkeeper has intensified in recent months, with Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos both struggling.
Who is Sam Johnstone?
The £43,000-a-week stopper has been around the block in the Premier League, making appearances for West Brom, Aston Villa, Doncaster, Preston, Scunthorpe, Walsall and Crystal Palace.
This season, he began the season as the number one stopper at Selhurst Park – with Henderson struggling with the thigh injury that ended his 2022/23 campaign at Forest.
Johnstone has had an injury of his own to contend with but he did return to the bench for last weekend’s 5-0 drubbing to Crystal Palace.
In total, the 30-year-old has played 30 times for the Eagles and now it looks as though he remains the second fiddle for the remainder of the current season.
During his time with West Brom, Johnstone earned praise from Micah Richards who called him ‘outstanding’ for his efforts for the Baggies.
Rumour rating: 8/10 – It’s a real shame that this one appears to be dead in the water as Johnstone might have been perfect for the Forest.
He’s an experienced stopper and at 30, he’s still not at a bad age for a goalkeeper.
Johnstone has four caps for England, however, it looks as though the search continues for Forest to find a goalkeeper this month.
Read also; Former Liverpool Coach Neil Critchley Reacts to Jurgen Klopp’s Decision: ‘I Can Understand Why.’
