West Ham United have held talks with Manchester United regarding an unnamed player amid claims that there is an interest in goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to club insider ExWHUEmployee.

What's the word?

A recent report from Sky Sports claimed that the Red Devils are keen on signing Marko Arnautovic from the Hammers, but it appears that the story is way off the mark.

According to reliable insider ExWHUEmployee, there has been no contact or bid from United regarding the Austrian.

In an exclusive column for thewesthamway.co.uk, the club source explained that talks have been held between both parties, but for an unnamed player.

ExWHUEmployee went on to say that the Hammers are interested in United keeper Johnstone, while Luke Shaw could be available, as could Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford, but only on loan.

[brid autoplay="true" video="252976" player="12034" title="Watch 21 things that will definitely happen at the World Cup"]

Out of those potential targets, Johnstone seems the most likely to secure, and the goalkeeping position is certainly an area that the East London outfit need to address.

Joe Hart spent last season on loan at the club from Manchester City, but returned in the summer, while Adrian's long-term future at the London Stadium remains uncertain.

Is Johnstone good enough?

Despite Hart's pedigree, he struggled to hold down a regular place in the first team over the course of the season, which proves that a 'big name' does not always deliver.

Johnstone has been at United since 2009 as he developed through the academy, but he has not made a single first-team appearances for the Red Devils.

The 25-year-old spent the last season-and-a-half on loan at Aston Villa, where he impressed and helped the team reach the playoff final in May.

The Midlands outfit were unable to get over the line as they suffered defeat to Fulham, which means that Johnstone is unlikely to move to Villa Park permanently.

In 48 outings during the 2017-18 campaign, the Preston-born stopper conceded 42 goals and kept 22 clean sheets.

West Ham do not have the financial clout to swoop for a world-class keeper, but Johnstone has proven consistency at a competitive level.

Given that he is unlikely to break the bank, it is worth the Hammers cutting a deal.