Rangers may be keen on signing West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone but West Ham United are believed to be leading the race.
TEAMtalk reported in December that Rangers were eyeing up a deal to bring Johnstone to Ibrox on a free transfer this summer.
Out of contract at West Brom this summer, Johnstone is able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a non-English club – potentially boosting Rangers’ hopes.
Rangers have question marks over Allan McGregor’s long-term future whilst Jon McLaughlin may only be seen as backup to Rangers’ next first-choice stopper.
Johnstone could be that man, but Rangers may now end up missing out on Johnstone with West Ham closing in on a deal for the England international.
The Sun claim that transfer insiders believe a deal with West Ham is ‘a long way down the line’ even with other clubs interested.
Lukasz Fabianski is almost 37 and Alphonse Areola is only on loan at West Ham, meaning the Hammers may see Johnstone as their long-term solution.
A free transfer will certainly be appealing to West Ham, especially with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton all looking to swoop in.
With so many Premier League clubs interested, it seems unlikely that Rangers will be able to strike a deal.
Rangers may be looking to offer a starting role and European football, but West Ham may be offering similar.
Johnstone, 28, has been a little up and down for West Brom this season but proved himself in the Premier League last season.
Glenn Hoddle has praised Johnstone as ‘outstanding’ whilst Sam Allardyce has branded him ‘top quality’ having worked together at West Brom.
Johnstone would have been a major coup for Rangers, but it instead looks like he will be heading to West Ham this summer.
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