West Ham are interested in signing goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to the Daily Mirror.
The newspaper claims that the Hammers are keen on landing the 24-year-old shot-stopper that is currently impressing on his loan spell at Aston Villa from Manchester United.
It is understood that David Moyes’ side are already preparing for life without Joe Hart when he returns to Manchester City at the end of the season after his loan.
The report details that Man United have the option to recall £5million-rated Johnstone from his season-long loan at Villa if they wish to sell him on in January.
Premier League pair West Brom and Crystal Palace are also believed to be keen on the goalkeeper to make it a three-way battle for his signature.
Good move for West Ham?
Johnstone is an upcoming talent that has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship this season during his loan with Villa and was schooled at Man United’s academy as a youngster.
The Englishman has kept nine clean sheets in 22 games so far this season and is regarded as a key player in Steve Bruce’s squad.
He would be an interesting signing for West Ham and certainly great value for money at just £5million if they could pull a deal off.
Johnstone is being tipped to be a future Premier League goalkeeper and the London Stadium could be the next platform for him, but it is unclear whether he would get in ahead of Joe Hart and Adrian in the second half of this season.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
It seems like West Ham are unlikely to land Johnstone in January despite the fact that his loan clause making the switch possible.
They would have to fight off the likes of Palace and West Brom to land the highly-rated talent, but they do already have two goalkeepers fighting for the number one jersey.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10