Crystal Palace are preparing to announce West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as their third signing of the window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Ryan Taylor, who released a tweet regarding the finalisation of their top target, Cheik Doucoure.

However, he signed off the tweet by claiming that “Sam Johnstone officially completes move to Selhurst Park on Friday.”

Palace fans can finally relax as they look to squeeze through another couple of impressive deals early on in the window after the acquisition of Malcolm Ebiowei.

Vieira will love it

Sam Johnstone is widely regarded as a very solid goalkeeper, and marks another intelligent piece of business from Patrick Vieira.

Jack Butland had previously held the backup goalkeeper spot, but the opportunity to sign the former Premier League shot-stopper who was a bright spark in an otherwise dull West Brom side will have seen him drop down the pecking order.

Last season, in what was a frustrating year for the Baggies, the England international still managed a wonderful 15 clean sheets, conceding just 33 goals in 36 games. He ranked third in the race for the Championship’s golden glove as his West Brom side finished tenth.

This fine shot-stopping led to his new boss Steve Bruce dubbing him a “wonderful goalkeeper”.

He had the following to say about his development: “I had the pleasure of working with Sam a few years ago and watched his career take off. It’s no surprise. I always knew the talent he has. He’s a very, very good goalkeeper.”

In his last season in the Premier League during the 2020/21 season, he also averaged a fine average SofaScore rating of 7.03 as his side were relegated. Throughout that season, despite keeping just six clean sheets, he did average 4.5 saves per game and even notched up an assist.

He has already proven his class at the top level, and will certainly offer a competitive battle for the number one jersey with Vicente Guaita.

Vieira will be delighted to get yet another fresh face through the door, and further bolster what is turning into a really solid Premier League squad.

AND, in other news: Contact made: CPFC in the race to seal £9m "great signing", Vieira would love him.