Report: West Ham leading Tottenham and Man United for £18m-rated England man

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ESPN have claimed that West Ham United are now in pole position to raid nearly-relegated West Bromwich Albion for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone this summer – despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

Johnstone, 28, has been in excellent form for the Baggies even though, Sam Allardyce’s side look as though they will suffer relegation. Even Allardyce himself has admitted that it looks as though the Baggies will go down.

As is the way when clubs suffer relegation, West Brom are likely to cash in on a couple of players and England goalkeeper Johnstone is at the top of that list. ESPN say West Ham, Tottenham and Manchester United are keen.

It also claims West Ham are winning the race as David Moyes can make him first-choice, while at United, he will be forced to compete with Dean Henderson. Tottenham are keen but Hugo Lloris remains, and Spurs lack a manager.

TBR’s view – Is Johnstone worth the £18m asking price?

He is a good goalkeeper, excellent when it comes to shot stopping and he is pretty good with his feet. But the difference between the best and Johnstone, is that the odd mistake does creep into his game.

He is a good signing for West Ham, given Lukasz Fabianski is 36. At United, he is hardly going to want to be second choice – a club he left to get game time in the first place. If Lloris leaves, Spurs would be ideal.

At £18million, he is a decent signing. TransferMarkt claim he is represented by the same agency that look after Spurs loanee Ryan Sessegnon, and West Ham striker Michail Antonio.