West Ham 'looking to strengthen' key area at London Stadium

West Ham are still searching for a first choice goalkeeper despite the potential arrival of Alphonse Areola, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Hammers are expected to trigger the Frenchman’s option to buy and sign him permanently, but Brown believes David Moyes is still hoping to sign a number one.

Despite making just one Premier League appearances last season, with the majority of his game-time coming in the Europa League, West Ham are still keen on turning his loan deal into a permanent one.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the London Stadium club are prepared to pay £7.6m, with discussions set to commence this week.

Third keeper David Martin will leave following the expiration of his contract, having made just five appearances in three years at the club.

Meanwhile, Lukasz Fabianski, whose own deal runs out later this month, could be rewarded for his form this season with another one-year extension.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “The club have been looking for a number one goalkeeper for the last year to 18 months because they knew the situation with Fabianski was round the corner.

“I think if they can find someone that Moyes rates and trusts more than Areola then they will sign him. I think if Areola ends up as number one, that’ll only be the backup option because they couldn’t find a better player on the market.”

Timber deal close! De Jong deal agreed with Barca?!? Hear the latest Man United news on the Football Terrace…

Belgium stopper Gaetan Coucke has been linked with a move to West Ham, although it seems like the Hammers’ goalkeeping department is going to look relatively similar to last season.

Providing Areola completes his permanent move to the club, and Fabianski is handed a new deal, then it’ll surely