According to the Daily Mirror, West Ham have joined the duo of West Brom and Crystal Palace in the pursuit of Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone ahead of the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old is currently on loan with Championship side Aston Villa, but United have the option of a January recall should they wish to cash in on the £5million-rated stopper early.
The Hammers want Johnstone as replacement for Manchester City loanee Joe Hart, as there are no plans to hand the England international a permanent deal after the end of the campaign.
With competition high for Johnstone, West Ham don’t want to miss out even though he won’t likely be getting ahead of either Hart or Adrian in the pecking order.
The United man is in great form with the Villans having kept 9 clean sheets out of 22 league appearances this term as they eye a return to the Premier League.
Johnstone has a handful of experience playing for 5 other clubs in the League One and Championship and is highly thought of at Old Trafford.
He could be a perfect option to challenge Adrian for the number 1 spot once Hart moves on, but considering the position isn’t one in dire need of additional hands at the moment, West Ham are better off adding £5million to the January transfer kitty in their pursuit of a top target.
