West Ham ready bid to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone
West Ham are readying a bid to sign West Brom and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to the Express & Star.
The Midlands newspaper reports that the Baggies want £20million for the 28-year-old but the Hammers are not prepared to match that valuation.
It is understood the Irons want competition for Lukasz Fabianski and after an impressive season in the Premier League, Johnstone wants to stay in England’s top-flight after West Brom’s relegation.
While West Ham are set to bid for Johnstone, their opening gambit will be below £20million as Johnstone is entering the final year of his contract at The Hawthorns.
West Brom having a laugh
There’s no way the Baggies are going to get £20million for Johnstone.
While Sheffield United paid £18.5million for Aaron Ramsdale last year, he wasn’t in the final year of his contract at Bournemouth unlike Johnstone at The Hawthorns.
The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper has had a stunning season in the Premier League.
While he conceded a lot of goals, no ‘keeper made more saves than him [Wyscout] and the fact so many shots beat him was likely down to the quality of the outfielders at West Brom.
Fabianski is also going to be in the final year of his contract once next season starts and due to his age, it’s a good idea to think about a long-term replacement for the Poland international.
Johnstone is 28-years-old, is in the form of his life, has just been called up to the England squad for Euro 2020 and was even hailed by Gary Lineker for an “unbelievable” save he made this season.
We’d definitely be happy with Johnstone but the deal would have to cost far less than the £20million West Brom want.
For someone at a relegated club in the last year of his contract, we feel £10million to £12million would be fair.
In other West Ham news, this Hammers-linked ace has liked a tweet by one of Moyes’ star players.
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