McAvennie wants Johnstone at West Ham to keep Fabianski on his toes
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie expects West Ham to sign a new goalkeeper to provide Lukasz Fabianski with increased competition for next season.
The Hammers have been strongly linked with a move for West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone with the Express & Star recently reporting the Londoners are lining up a bid for the £20million-rated 28-year-old.
As reported by the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, third-choice goalkeeper David Martin will be released by the Irons when his contract expires and McAvennie expects Johnstone to provide more competition to Fabianski than the exit-bound 35-year-old.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “Fabianski will give us another year I think but you’ve got to push on, you’ve got to move on and you need ‘keepers to push you.
“Obviously, Martin’s not been pushing Fabianski enough.
“Goalkeepers are no different to strikers, you’ve got to push to get a place and that’s what’s got to happen.
“If you get someone in, Fabianski has got to step up again and will be on his toes next year. That’s what David will want.”
Johnstone will more than certainly have Fabianski on his toes.
The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper has been called up to the England squad for the European Championships after an impressive season at The Hawthorns.
Although West Brom were relegated, Johnstone made the most saves in the Premier League this season [Wyscout] with a number of them being completely spectacular.
While we doubt the Hammers will want to pay £20million for the Baggies shot-stopper, they are bound to pay a fee that will merit a starting spot in the squad.
And that is bound to crank up the pressure on Fabianski, who’ll be fighting for a new contract next season.
In other West Ham news, this Hammers-linked ace has been spotted hanging around with two of Moyes’ players.
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