West Ham closing in on deal for out of contract West Brom figure | OneFootball

West Ham are now the favourites in the running to sign West Brom’s Sam Johnstone.

According to The Athletic, the 29-year old is most likely to move to the Hammers this summer once his Baggies contract expires in June.

Earlier reports had indicated that Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United were the frontrunners in the race to sign the goalkeeper.

However, David Moyes’ side have edged in front, despite interest elsewhere from Southampton also, according to this latest update.

The England international has been a pivotal player at the Hawthorns during his time with the club.

But with his contract expiring this summer, his time at the club now looks to be coming to an end.

The Man United academy graduate missed the final weeks of the season, with Steve Bruce already preparing for the future without Johnstone.

West Ham currently have Lukasz Fabianski and Alphonse Areola as their main competitors to be the number one shot-stoppers at the London Stadium.

Quiz: Which club did West Brom sign these 24 players from in the 2000s?

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Graham Dorrans

Kilmarnock Livingston Motherwell Ross County

But at 37-years old, Moyes’ side are now surely planning for life without the Polish goalkeeper by making a move for Johnstone this summer.

West Brom were unable to compete for promotion back to the Premier League this season, signalling the end of Johnstone’s time with the Championship club.

A move back to the top flight looks to be on the cards, having impressed during the Baggies stint in the division last season.

The Verdict

Johnstone has performed excellently over the years for West Brom so his departure will be a big loss to the team.

He performed well in the Premier League last year, which is what has caught the attention of so many teams.

That he is now available as a free agent puts him in high demand this summer, with whoever signs him earning a very good goalkeeper at a low cost.

A move to West Ham would be exciting as he would likely earn the number one choice in a side competing for European places in the top flight.