West Ham reignite interest in £10m star David Moyes wanted in the summer and are favourites to get him for free.
The Hammers are set to welcome investment from Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky in the coming days.
The ‘Czech Sphinx’ – as he is known in his homeland – is on the verge of buying a 27 per cent stake in West Ham. And there is a suggestion that will give the Hammers more money to spend in the transfer market.
Well they may not need it to sign one £10m player Moyes has reportedly reignited his interest in, West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
West Ham were heavily linked with England back-up ‘keeper Johnstone in the summer and were quoted £10m by the Baggies.
The Frenchman joined on a season-long loan with the option to buy for around £11m.
Well now The Daily Mail claims West Ham are favourites to sign Johnstone on a free transfer at the end of the season with Southampton also interested.
West Ham reignite interest in £10m star Moyes wanted in summer and are favourites to get him for free – report
“The West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper is out of contract at the end of the season and Sportsmail understands the Championship club are now virtually resigned to the prospect of Johnstone leaving on a free transfer ahead of next season,” The Mail reports.
“West Ham and Southampton are among the clubs interested in taking Johnstone in the summer, though a number of clubs are also set to explore a move.
“At this point, it seems unlikely that WBA will let Johnstone leave in January in their pursuit of an instant Premier League return.
“A sizeable offer approaching £10million, could force the Baggies into considering selling him In January, but with a huge cash injection at stake through promotion Johnstone remaining at the Hawthorns until his deal expires is likely to be deemed more valuable to the club.”
With Lukasz Fabianski turning 37 this season and with Darren Randolph and David Martin – in a playing capacity – looking likely to leave next summer West Ham clearly need another goalkeeper even if they do sign Areola permanently.