Leeds United are reportedly contemplating shelling out in the region of £10m for a Premier League goalkeeper during the summer transfer window.
Daniel Farke and his squad head into Monday's fixture with Stoke City knowing that they could earn a return to England's top flight if results go their way.
Conceding just 29 goals in 43 matches, the statistics suggest that strengthening at the back should be down the list of Farke's priorities.
However, long-serving goalkeeper Illan Meslier has not always convinced between the sticks this campaign, and veteran Karl Darlow has been given the nod throughout April.
As a result, it is plausible that the Yorkshire giants will look to cash in on the Frenchman, regardless of whether promotion is achieved.
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Leeds want Wolves stopper?
According to The Sun, Leeds have identified Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as a potential replacement for Meslier.
At the back end of August, Wolves opted to shell out £10m to sign the England international from Crystal Palace and the assumption was that he would be acquired to replace Jose Sa.
Instead, Wolves' long-term first-choice pick remained at Molineux and has largely been preferred to Johnstone, who has not always been named on the substitutes' bench in recent weeks.
In total, Johnstone has made a total of 10 appearances for Wolves in all competitions, three of which have come in the FA Cup, yet it appears the 32-year-old and Wolves would be happy to go their separate ways if a suitable offer was made.
If Leeds or another club are prepared to pay anywhere in the region of £10m, Wolves would give the green light to a sale, Dan Bentley the current number two having kept a clean sheet against Manchester United on Sunday.
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Can Leeds afford Johnstone?
Even if Leeds benefit from the riches that come with Premier League football, paying a big fee for a goalkeeper would represent a major move in the market.
That said, any money shelled out would plausibly be used from cashing in on Meslier, whose contract at Elland Road is due to expire in 2026.
Leeds will not risk the 25-year-old departing on a free transfer when they know that they will attract interest in his signature this summer.
Therefore, being prepared to shell out £10m on Johnstone, who has 73 Premier League outings to his name and is a four-cap England international, is not beyond the realms of possibility.
Darren Plant
