West Ham United are reportedly leading Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who will be a free agent in the summer.
According to the print edition of The Sun (h/t Hammers News), David Moyes wants to bring goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to the London Stadium as West Ham eye a cut-price deal for the England international. They face tough competition from Tottenham for the West Brom stopper.
Sam Johnstone properly impressed Premier League clubs after an impressive season in the top flight with West Brom in 2020/21. Despite the Baggies suffering relegation back to the Championship, the stopper became an apparent target for some top Premier League sides, including Arsenal and Tottenham back in the summer.
West Brom set a big asking price for their stopper, which put off potential suitors, as Johnstone was resigned to spending a season in the second division and run down his contract. The Baggies, though, desire to sell the keeper in January to recoup some transfer fee rather than see him move on a free transfer.
West Ham have emerged as contenders to bring the keeper back to the Premier League, despite having two quality options in their ranks. Alphonse Areola was signed on loan from PSG in the summer as cover for first-choice Lukasz Fabianski.
But the Polish star is approaching the wrong end of thirties, and despite no indication in a dip of form, Moyes wants to bring in a long term replacement. Johnstone could be the right choice given his age and experience in the Premier League, which points towards him becoming their future No. 1. However, the Hammers are not alone in the pursuit, as London rivals Tottenham are also keen to sign him.
Spurs need to find a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris, who could depart next summer when his contract expires. The north London side may have other options in mind, but they could consider Johnstone for his experience and the low cost involved in signing him.
In the scenario that Lloris stays put for another season, the 28-year-old could be his backup, with summer loan arrival Pierluigi Gollini failing to impress much.
However, as per the report, West Ham United are the frontrunners to sign Johnstone ahead of Tottenham. But with there still being plenty of time before the England international’s contract expires, things could change between now and the end of the season. The 28-year-old, ultimately, would likely prefer to move to a club where he would get immediate starting opportunities.