Sources: Spurs confident of landing £32.5k-p/w "diamond", he's Paratici's next Pirlo - opinion

Tottenham are confident of securing a deal to bring Sam Johnstone to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that sources have revealed Fabio Paratici and his Tottenham transfer team are now “very confident” of landing the England international, who is set to become available on a free transfer upon the expiry of his current deal with West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season.

A further report by Sky Sports suggested that both Manchester United and Southampton, along with a host of other clubs, are also interested in a move for the 29-year-old shot-stopper this summer, while Johnstone himself is reportedly desperate to secure a move back to the Premier League.

Considering that Antonio Conte’s current first-choice number one Hugo Lloris will turn 36 later this year, and with it being reported that Tottenham are not planning to activate their £13m purchase option for Atalanta loanee Pierluigi Gollini this summer, it is not difficult to see why Paratici would be interested in a move for Johnstone.

While it is true that West Brom have struggled following their return to the second tier of English football after their relegation from the top flight last season – currently sitting in 12th place, eight points behind Sheffield United in sixth – Johnstone nevertheless proved his quality during the Baggies’ latest Premier League jaunt.

Indeed, over his 37 league outings last term, the £7.2m-rated stopper – who Steve Bruce dubbed a “diamond” – was one of West Brom’s standout performers, keeping six clean sheets and making 4.5 saves per match, the most of any goalkeeper in the top flight. These returns saw the £32.5k-per-week stopper average a