Sam Johnstone: This is why West Ham favour England star over Alphonse Areola this summer – pundit
West Ham would favour signing West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a free over Alphonse Areola for £10million in the summer.
That is the view of former Spurs and England number one Paul Robinson, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about a potential “no-brainer” move for Johnstone, 28.
According to insiders Claret and Hugh (5 February), David Moyes is eyeing a swoop for Johnstone, who has entered the final six months of his contracts at The Hawthorns.
The Hammers failed in a bid to sign the England international last summer.
The London club instead recruited Alphonse Areola on loan with a £10million option to buy from Paris Saint-Germain.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his thoughts on Johnstone’s potential arrival, Robinson said: “Johnstone is a top goalkeeper.
“He fell out with the previous manager [Valerien Ismael] so it will be interesting to see how he gets on with Steve Bruce.
“Can Steve mend that relationship? If he gets back into the team, starts enjoying his football again and West Brom get promoted he might want to stay. You cannot rule that out.
“He’s in a strong position at the moment. It would be a no brainer for West Ham. He is a top goalkeeper and on a free it is a more attractive proposition than signing Areola.
“I suspect it will not just be West Ham looking at Johnstone when he becomes a free agent. A lot can change between now and the end of the season though.”
In other news, it can be revealed West Ham have set their sights on signing a Rangers star after their previous six-figure bid was rejected.