Cryptic claim made as Crystal Palace and England goalkeeper debate continues

The brother of England international and Crystal Palace star Sam Johnstone has sent out a peculiar message following Crystal Palace's heavy defeat to Brighton on the weekend. Jean-Philippe Mateta's 71st minute goal offered a brief moment of solace as the Seagulls beat the Eagles 4-1 and it was Dean Henderson between the sticks, despite Johnstone wearing the number one shirt.

It was considered a particularly bizarre move when, back in August, the Selhurst Park owners bought Henderson, despite the fact Johnstone was already a regular. Henderson has since gone on to concede 17 goals in his seven Premier League appearances for Roy Hodgson's club and has failed to keep a single clean sheet.

Following the choosing of 26-year-old Henderson (who has made one England appearance) over 30-year-old Johnstone (who has four England appearances), has then sparked rumours that the latter is becomingly increasingly unhappy in his position with the Croydon club. Johnstone's brother, Max, then added fuel to the fire by downplaying the situation but adding an intriguing line at the end which has done little to quell any rumours.

Taking to his X (Twitter) account, Max Johnstone referenced the unhappy rumours by saying: "Not sure where you heard that from, Sam and his family love it in London and have always been settled. There's a lot more to the current situation."

Johnstone - who had been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest - lost his place to Henderson after suffering an injury during his side's 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in December. He had greatly impressed in the first half of the season, keeping five clean sheets in Palace's 16 Premier League appearances. He has since recovered from the calf problem but is yet to make his pitch return, leaving many fans wondering why as it would appear the current defensive set-up is unable to keep the goals out of the back of the net.