West Ham at advanced stage in bid to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in summer
West Ham are favourites to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in the summer transfer window when he becomes a free agent, according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon.
Writing on The Sun’s website on 12 March, Nixon reported that Manchester United, Tottenham and Southampton are also in the hunt to sign the 28-year-old England international with it looking as though he’s going to quit the Baggies in the summer.
It is understood that the Irons are “clear leaders” in the race for Johnstone’s signature and “insiders believe that deal is a long way down the line”. Nixon stresses, though, that nothing has been signed as of yet.
Bye-bye, Alphonse?
With Lukasz Fabianski agreeing a contract extension and Alphonse Areola barely being used in the Premier League, it seems as though the French goalkeeper’s loan stay will not be made permanent.
Johnstone was linked with the Hammers last summer before Areola arrived on a loan-to-buy basis from Paris Saint-Germain.
Both had been relegated the season before with West Brom and Fulham respectively and both had been quite impressive.
But West Ham may play this right if they just see out Areola’s loan and then just sign Johnstone on a free transfer when his contract at The Hawthorns expires in the summer.
Johnstone has had a tough season in the Championship with West Brom.
He conceded two goals after making massive errors on Friday night as his side drew 2-2 with Huddersfield.
However, the ex-Manchester United goalkeeper was superb in the Premier League last term and has also done well with England.
On a free transfer, signing Johnstone would be a very clever piece of business.
In other West Ham news, Stan Collymore has predicted the Hammers’ clash against Aston Villa.
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