West Ham allegedly could make a late move to sign West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone before the January transfer window closes.
That’s according to a report from the Mirror (print edition January 28th, page 58) who claim that the Hammers could make a surprise bid for the 28-year-old goalkeeper who has been exiled by Baggies boss Ismael.
West Ham boss David Moyes has previously been linked with a move to bring Johnstone to the London Stadium (The Telegraph.)
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The Scot ended up signing Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer though.
The 28-year-old Frenchman has really impressed when he has played for West Ham so far this season. We have an option to sign him on a permanent deal in the summer for around £11 million (Wyn Foot).
It seems as though Areola’s time at the London Stadium could be short-lived though…
West Ham eyeing January Sam Johnstone deal
The Mirror reckon that the Hammers could make a late January transfer window raid on the 28-year-old West Brom stopper.
Now, Johnstone is out of contract at the Hawthorns in the summer, so if he is available for a bargain fee before Monday’s deadline, then it would be no surprise to see West Ham move in for him.
He is apparently available for around £10 million or even less in January (Daily Mail). Surely we would be able to pick him up for around the £5 million mark though.
Standing at 6ft 4in tall, the West Brom stopper cuts an imposing figure. He is dominant in the air and a great shot stopper. The Baggies ace is a very impressive communicator as well.
Johnstone has conceded 404 goals in 350 career games and has kept 112 clean sheets in the process (Transfermarkt).
The West Brom ace would be a good signing for West Ham. The problem is that if Moyes does bring him to the London Stadium, Areola will surely be on his way back to PSG.
That makes signing Johnstone completely pointless. However, the West Ham owners may like the idea of it, considering the fact that he will be a lot cheaper than Areola!
This will be one to keep a close eye on between now and the end of the January transfer window.
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