According to the Evening Standard, Crystal Palace are eyeing a deal for West Ham target Sam Johnstone, after Tottenham opted to pursue Fraser Forster.
What’s the story?
Well, the 29-year-old is now a free agent, after West Brom announced that he would be leaving following the expiration of his contract.
Unsurprisingly, Johnstone has received a lot of interest from the Premier League, with Patrick Vieira, Antonio Conte and David Moyes all keen.
However, it appears that Tottenham have decided to sign Forster from Southampton, as they look to find a new deputy for Hugo Lloris.
That is good news for Crystal Palace and West Ham, and by the sounds of it, the south Londoners have done more groundwork than the east Londoners.
The Evening Standard believe Crystal Palace first scouted Johnstone five years ago when he was deciding to leave Manchester United in 2017.
It is also said that the Eagles have a long-term interest in the England international.
In 36 Championship appearances this season, Johnstone impressively kept 15 clean sheets, and conceded just 33 goals.
Crystal Palace and Tottenham could lose out to West Ham
In our view, West Ham are in a fantastic position to sign Johnstone, even though Crystal Palace appear to have done the most homework.
The Hammers currently have Łukasz Fabiański as their only first-team option in between the sticks, with Alphonse Areola returning to Paris Saint-Germain.
Worryingly, the Poland international is now 37, and needs replacing.
There has been talk of Moyes pursuing a permanent deal for Areola.
However, if that move collapses, West Ham can offer Johnstone the chance to play European football, while also being their No.1 goalkeeper.
He may not receive that luxury at Selhurst Park, where Vicente Guaita and Jack Butland are already fighting for the No.1 spot.
Keep an eye on this saga, as anything could happen this summer.
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