Crystal Palace reserve keeper Sam Johnstone is eyed by TWO Championship clubs for summer transfer but only if they are promoted

Forgotten CRYSTAL PALACE keeper Sam Johnstone is a target for two wannabe Prem.

Championship duo Sheffield United and West Brom both want a new No 1 when they ascend.

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The Blades will review their plans this summer, while the Baggies would love their former player back.

Johnstone, 29, is behind first-choice Vicente Guaita and Palace value him at around £5-6m.

Neither of the suitors could afford it if they didn’t level up as both would have a small budget.

During his tie with the Hawthorns, Johnstone earned recognition from the England lineup when he made his senior debut in a friendly against Romania in 2021.

The Blades would have to lift their transfer embargo if they were to try and strike a deal to sign the goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, Palace have persuaded caretaker boss Paddy McCarthy to stay after two approaches from rival clubs.

Ex-Eagles skipper and defender McCarthy, 39, has been promoted from the Under-21s following the sacking of Patrick Vieira and the club are looking to keep him despite interest from Oxford and MK Dons.

Former manager Roy Hodgson is set to replace Vieira on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

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The former England boss remains a popular figure with many of Palace’s first-team players.

Meanwhile, attention is focused on securing a result against leaders Arsenal at the Emirates.