Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly close to getting a deal over the line for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Despite an early influx of new additions, supporters of Wolves have been left frustrated with their club's approach to the summer transfer window.
Although £90m has been generated from the sales of Max Kilman and Pedro Neto, it has been widely speculated that Fosun International are preferring to work with a low transfer budget.
Nevertheless, reports have indicated over the past week that a new goalkeeper remains very much on Gary O'Neil's radar with Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale at the top of the club's shortlist.
On Tuesday evening, though, Wolves seemingly gave up on their efforts to acquire the England international's services, put off by the demands of the Gunners.
According to The Athletic, O'Neil and sporting director Matt Hobbs have quickly moved on to move to the brink of bringing in a fellow Three Lions representative in Johnstone.
© Reuters
Journalist David Ornstein suggests that Palace may be prepared to cash in on Johnstone for a fee in the region of £10m.
Furthermore, the player could be handed a contract until the end of the 2027-28 season, Wolves seemingly viewing the 31-year-old as a long-term option.
Wolves have, again, moved for a player with connections to fierce rivals West Bromwich Albion with Johnstone having played 167 times across four seasons for the Baggies.
He also has 70 appearances in the colours of Aston Villa, yet it appears that he will soon be representing the third Midlands club of his career.
Although Johnstone made 20 Premier League appearances for Palace during the last campaign, Dean Henderson is now viewed as Oliver Glasner's number one.
While his last outing in pre-season came on July 27, it seems plausible that he could be thrust into a Wolves debut against Nottingham Forest on Saturday if he completes a transfer over the next 48 hours.
© Reuters
What now for Sa?
If Wolves are willing to commit to paying £10m for Johnstone, it realistically means that Sa is either dropping to the substitutes' bench or will be sold.
As well as being linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia, the 31-year-old has already conceded eight goals in two Premier League appearances this season.
Although Sa could plausibly stay and Daniel Bentley be sold instead, Wolves would prefer to generate a fee similar to the one that they are prepared to shell out.
Darren Plant
