West Ham now eye late window bid for ‘world class’ player after manager leaves him out of squad

As per a report in the paper edition of The Mirror (28.01.21, pg. 58, via The 72), there has been an update on West Ham United’s search for a goalkeeper involving England international Sam Johnstone.

According to reliable sources, the Irons and manager David Moyes actually made an offer to sign Johnstone in the summer window.

However, as backed by The Athletic, their attempt was swiftly turned down by The Baggies as West Ham then turned their attention to signing Paris-Saint Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan.

Johnstone is set to leave the Hawthorns at the end of this campaign with his deal expiring this summer, and after his manager Valerien Ismael left him out of their last squad to face Preston North End due to an ‘internal’ issue (Birmingham Live), it appears the Irons could be back in for him.

As per The Mirror (via The 72), West Ham ‘could make a last minute move’ for Johnstone before the transfer window’s closure.

However, Moyes and head of recruitment Rob Newman aren’t the only parties interested, with both Spurs and Southampton also apparently in the picture.

Given first team shot stopper Lukasz Fabianski is reportedly close to signing a new deal, not to mention West Ham’s option to buy for Areola, we believe signing a keeper should be at the bottom of Moyes’ list of priorities this month.

As the window draws to a close, it is imperative that the Irons make headway in signing a potential new forward or centre-half with Newman apparently given these tasks as priorities.

Johnstone, despite being called ‘world class’ by Wolves legend Steve Bull, should definitely be put on the back burner until summer if he is indeed still available by then.

In other news: ‘Another new one emerging’ – Sky