OPINION
When West Ham secured a year-long loan for Joe Hart, many thought this season would be one of renaissance for the England goalkeeper.
It has however not turned out that way, with Hart’s dodgy displays for the Hammers leading to him losing his number one spot to Adrian before Christmas.
While he has now been reinstated, Hart made another error against Burnley last time out, and despite the game already being lost, it is clear that his time at the club will come to an end this summer.
That means that the Hammers will be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper, and they have just been linked with a move for Manchester United’s Sam Johnstone.
As reported by the Mirror, West Ham are eyeing up a £4million swoop for the 25-year-old, who has impressed massively this season while on loan at Aston Villa.
If the Hammers do indeed end up moving for Johnstone, they are absolutely on the right track.
Johnstone has had a brilliant season for the Villans, having established himself as the club’s number one and becoming one of the most impressive stoppers in the second-tier.
It is clear that Johnstone’s future lies away from Old Trafford with David de Gea occupying the goal there, and West Ham would be the perfect move for him (should they remain in the Premier League, that is).
He is a young, English stopper who has plied his trade in the lower leagues for several years before finally being able to show what he can do at a big club.
He is obviously ready for a step up in competition, and should Villa not get promoted, will no doubt move on this summer as United look to cash in.
Adrian is a decent keeper but West Ham need someone they can rely upon for years to come, and Johnstone could be that man.
£4million is an absolute bargain in today’s market, and this is an absolute no-brainer for the Hammers.