Nottingham Forest’s Loan Bid for Sam Johnstone Rejected by Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forest has reportedly made a loan bid to sign Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace, with an obligation to buy the goalkeeper permanently in the summer. However, Crystal Palace has turned down the offer, indicating that Johnstone is likely to remain at Selhurst Park despite slipping down the pecking order behind Dean Henderson.

Johnstone, who earns £43,000-a-week, began the season as Crystal Palace’s first-choice goalkeeper but suffered a calf injury, allowing Henderson to claim the starting role following his summer move from Manchester United. With Johnstone potentially staying, Henderson and Remi Matthews remain as Crystal Palace’s senior goalkeeping options, with Joe Whitworth also part of the squad.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace continues to pursue Blackburn No.23 Adam Wharton, despite the Championship club rejecting an £18.5m bid. The Eagles are working to find an agreement with Blackburn, but if unsuccessful, they may turn to Birmingham No.19 Jordan James as an alternative target.

Stay tuned for further updates on Crystal Palace’s transfer activities as the January window progresses.