West Ham remain keen on England’s Sam Johnstone | OneFootball

West Ham remain interested in Sam Johnstone, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Irons were originally linked with a move for the West Brom goalkeeper during the summer transfer window, when Football Insider claimed that the 28-year-old was a firm target for David Moyes and he was “very keen” to join the east Londoners.

With his contract set to expire in the summer, the Scotsman could well plot to sign him once again.

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“WBA and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is targeted by Tottenham. Southampton and West Ham are the other interested teams with the young keeper,” claimed verified Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur.

He added: “Johnstone will be free to negotiate with those clubs in January. His West Bromwich contract will expire at the end of this season.”

Bye-bye Fabianski?

The Hammers brought in Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain instead of signing the England international, so this renewed interest could mean one of two things.

Either Moyes is not convinced by the 6 foot 5 loanee or he wants to replace the likes of Lukasz Fabianski, Darren Randolph and Dave Martin, all of whom are the wrong side of 30.

The latter scenario seems more likely and a goalkeeping department of Areola and Johnstone would be very competitive and something you’d expect from a Premier League side vying for a European spot.

West Ham’s new head of recruitment Rob Newman could seal a bargain in the Baggies shot-stopper, especially if he secures him for nothing.

Despite being relegated last season, Johnstone made Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020, though that should come as little surprise as he was one of the more impressive options between the sticks. No goalkeeper made more saves (161) than the 6 foot 4 glovesman in the 2020/21 Premier League, as per FBRef.

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Former Villa boss Steve Bruce lauded him as a “diamond” for his work ethic on the training pitch. “He’s a diamond – first in, last out. He’s a typical goalkeeper who wants to learn,” the 60-year-old said, via BirminghamLive.

The £7.2m-rated star is only thought to be earning around £32.5k-per-week at The Hawthorns, which further suggests that it would be an absolute steal to secure him, especially ahead of Spurs and the Saints.