Sam Johnstone is expected to arrive in Glasgow today as Celtic move towards completing a loan deal for the Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper.
The Scottish champions have agreed the outline of a deal with Wolves, with the 33-year-old given permission to travel north to undergo a medical and finalise his move.
Barring any late complications, the switch is expected to be completed within the next 24 hours, putting Johnstone in contention to be available for Celtic’s Premiership meeting with Aberdeen tomorrow.
The deal would also be concluded before Celtic’s Europa League registration deadline, with Martin O’Neill looking to add experience and competition for Viljami Sinisalo between the posts.
Johnstone, who has four England caps, became available after Wolves strengthened their own goalkeeping department with the additions of John Ruddy and Joao Virginia, while Jose Sa remains their first choice.
The former Manchester United, West Brom and Crystal Palace goalkeeper’s representatives are understood to have offered him to Celtic, who subsequently pressed ahead with a move and will cover a portion of his wages.
Celtic had also explored a deal for Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Bartosz Toth but were unable to reach an agreement over his valuation.
Johnstone could be one of several arrivals in a busy final period of the window. Joel van den Berg is expected to join permanently from PSV Eindhoven, while Oliver Sorensen is set to arrive on loan from Parma with an option to buy.
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1 Comment
Not overly surprised that the backup keeper options weren’t as straightforward as expected?
Looking like sinisalo is going to remain the no1 choice, which was always going to massively reduce the options available in the position?
Especially with the age factor of Sinisalo involved?
Even now, we are possibly in a position where our no2 keeper is going to be on bigger wages than our first choice keeper?
A situation that will possibly have to be addressed next summer now imo?
The form of Johnston has dipped alarmingly over the past number of seasons?
So maybe Looking at trying to revitalise his career in a similar manner as Hart and kasper before?
Whether that’s possible from a no2 keeper role, remains to be seen?
But the experience factor may well count for something as this season develops all the same imo?