Nuno Espirito Santo could look to quickly make his mark at Tottenham this summer...

What's the word?

According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Spurs are one of the clubs interested in signing West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone after London rivals West Ham had a bid rejected.

It's thought that the north London outfit are monitoring the 28-year-old's situation and see him as a potential replacement for Hugo Lloris in the near future.

The Baggies rejected a £6m bid for the newly-capped England international as they are seeking a fee in excess of £10m. Arsenal are also said to be keen on his signature.

Forget Lloris

A move for a new goalkeeper would be interesting and could hint at the turning of the tide in N17.

Nuno has inherited a squad of players who have largely been at the club for several years, meaning the same cohort which let Mauricio Pochettino down when he was controversially sacked were effectively the same lot who saw Jose Mourinho axed as well.

For example, Lloris is one of Spurs' longest-serving players and has been the club captain under both the aforementioned managers.

If the Portuguese coach were to bring in Johnstone, it could mean that he's looking to build a squad of his own rather than trusting those already at his disposal. As mentioned, it's could be a 'changing of the old guard' in north London, even more so with Lloris out of contract next year.

Despite suffering relegation at West Brom, the 28-year-old Johnstone made an impression between the sticks, which resulted in an international debut for Gareth Southgate's England against Romania last month.

As per FBRef, no goalkeeper made more saves in the 2020/21 Premier League than the former Manchester United man  (161), having faced a whopping 6.16 shots per match last season. Lloris was some 50 saves off matching the Englishman.

Back in February, the veteran France international was even labelled "lettuce wrists" and a "weak link" after he leaked five goals against Everton in the FA Cup. Compare that to Johnstone, who was touted as one of the very best in the division by his then-manager  Sam Allardyce.

"He’s one of the best [goalkeepers]," explained Big Sam to talkSPORT. Furthermore, Glenn Hoddle told the Evening Standard: “I have seen him four times this year and he has been outstanding."

He kept some big names quiet throughout the year, including mooted Spurs target Danny Ings and Manchester United star Edinson Cavani. Johnstone rated among Albion's best players in both encounters.

The £7.2m-rated "diamond" would be a fine addition for Nuno to kickstart his era in north London, and for around £10m, it could prove to be a bargain.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold relays exciting Nuno Santo claim that'll surely leave Spurs fans buzzing...