West Ham have reportedly seen a bid rejected for West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
The Hammers have been linked with the 28-year-old previously and seem to face competition from Tottenham for the signature.
Despite reports elsewhere suggesting the Irons are closing in on Paris Saint-Germain stopper Alphonse Areola, it would seem David Moyes hasn’t given up on Johnstone.
According to The Athletic, as cited by David Ornstein on Twitter, the east Londoners have tried their hand.
Twitter:
West Brom reject West Ham bid for Sam Johnstone. Below £10m & unlikely #WHUFC go much higher as free agent in 202… https://t.co/aJAd7EfWOA (@David_Ornstein)
Despite suffering relegation with the Baggies last season, the Englishman’s performances were hailed as ‘sensational’ at times by Gary Lineker.
In 37 Premier League outings, Johnstone earned an outstanding 7.03 average Sofascore rating while keeping six clean sheets.
Capped at various junior levels before making a senior debut for England in June, the ex-Manchester United academy ace is expected to move on before the end of the window.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Valued at £7.2million and in the final 12 months of a deal at the Hawthorns (Transfermarkt), the Hammers are right to remain firm on their valuation.
Paying in excess of £10million for a ‘keeper in this window, with other areas a greater priority would be misplaced.
Moreover, if the club can pull off a loan deal with an option to buy for Areola, the expenditure would be far less and allow Moyes to suitably strengthen elsewhere.
