The transfer window is finally open. It only felt like a matter of months ago that it initially closed, yet here we are, ready and raring to go for another four weeks of chaos.
In Spurs’ case, it will be an opportunity to strengthen their title credentials, so where will they look to buy, loan or sell?
What’s the word?
One area they may unexpectedly have to strengthen is in the goalkeeper department.
That’s because Mauricio Pochettino is looking to bring Hugo Lloris to PSG once he signs on the dotted line and becomes the new manager of the Parisians.
The Frenchman is Tottenham’s captain so it would clearly be a great loss. Fortunately, though, they already have a replacement in mind.
According to The Sun, one of Daniel Levy’s targets to replace Lloris would be West Brom stopper Sam Johnstone.
It’s not revealed how much he’d cost but having set the Baggies back £6.5m, it’s unlikely he’d dampen Tottenham’s coffers too much.
Fantastic replacement
For a club of Spurs’ stature, signing someone from West Brom might not be too eye-catching on the face of it. However, you can’t deny that Johnstone isn’t one of the best in the business at the moment.
The Albion ‘keeper has produced a number of mesmeric displays this term, saving the most shots – 66 - of anyone to play between the sticks in the Premier League. Just imagine how the likes of Toby Alderweirald and co would play if they had a man as confident as that behind them. It's a mouthwatering prospect.
Spurs have already found him difficult to break, defeating the Midlands side by a scoreline of just 1-0 earlier this season. In that encounter, Johnstone conceded to Harry Kane but he did manage to prevent the frightening Heung-min Son from finding the back of the net.
Considering the South Korean forward has 11 goals in 15 outings this season, that’s no easy achievement.
Going from Lloris to Johnstone may seem like a step-down but the latter is continuously proving himself to be an exceptional goalkeeper. Though, for some, that will come as no surprise.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce described the 27-year-old as a “diamond” when the two worked together at Aston Villa.
That appraisal has never been more apparent than now. Johnstone is quickly becoming one of the finest in his position in the top-flight.