Sam Johnstone heading for Wolves exit as Celtic consider late transfer move

Celtic have potentially been handed a boost in their pursuit of Sam Johnstone after Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto confirmed the goalkeeper does not feature in his future plans.

The 33-year-old England international has emerged as one of the options under consideration at Celtic as Martin O’Neill looks to add competition for Viljami Sinisalo before the transfer window closes.

Johnstone is still being permitted to train with the Wolves first-team squad, but Peixoto has now made it clear that the experienced goalkeeper will not be part of his plans going forward.

Peixoto said via Glasgow Times: “I have the same conversations and the same honesty with Sam I have with all the players. Before they are a player, they are a man, with families and kids. We have to respect the person.

“I have to talk with them honestly and tell them what is my decision or that of the club to build a strong team. Sometimes you have to take difficult decisions in order to build a better team or good group.

“All the time I am very clear, honest and direct with the players and all the people in the club. He (Johnstone) is still training with the team but won’t be part of the team for the future.”