Sources: West Ham ready approach for Johnstone after big development
West Ham are readying an approach for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone now West Brom’s relegation is confirmed, Football Insider has learned.
The Premier League high flyers are in the market for a new senior keeper this summer to provide cover and competition for Lukasz Fabianski.
A West Ham source has told Football Insider that the club have set their sights on Johnstone, 28, and they are planning to make enquiries about a potential deal.
The Londoners face competition for the Englishman from rival Premier League clubs.
He has also been linked with Tottenham, although such a move would be dependent on longstanding skipper Hugo Lloris leaving this summer.
West Ham have been given a boost in their pursuit of Johnstone after West Brom’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed by Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal.
It looks certain that Johnstone will leave the Hawthorns after being one of the few players at the club to enhance his reputation this term.
He has been a virtual ever-present in their campaign, making 34 Premier League starts and missing only one match with a virus.
He has been hailed by Football Insider columnist and former England number one Paul Robinson for his “world class” and “phenomenal” keeping this term.
The Hammers are keen to add another goalkeeper to their ranks this summer.
Number one Fabianski, 36, signed a one-year contract extension earlier this season, keeping him at the club until the end of next season.
But he has endured back problems recently and West Ham want better cover for him than current back-up Darren Randolph, 33, and 35-year-old David Martin, who is out of contract at the end of this season.
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