West Ham are leading the race to sign Sam Johnstone this summer, according to emerging reports...

What's the word?

That's according to ESPN, who claim that the Irons are the front-runners to land the coveted West Brom goalkeeper due to manager David Moyes previously working with the 28-year-old at Manchester United.

The Red Devils are also said to be interested in bringing him back to the club. with David de Gea's future in doubt, whilst Spurs are thought to be admirers, too.

Albion are said to value their no.1 shot-stopper at around £18m after an impressive season between the sticks for the Midlands strugglers.

An eye on the future?

It wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see Moyes sign a new gloveman in the summer as by the time the new season swings around, first-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski will be 36 and his backup, Darren Randolph, will be 34.

Despite his side possessing the worst defensive record in the Premier League, Johnstone has actually been a commanding presence in goal for the Baggies and without him, they'd probably be officially relegated already. At 6 foot 4, he has proven to be one of the division's best shot-stoppers - hardly a surprise given they face so many attempts each game.

As per FBRef, the £32.5k-per-week Hawthorns star makes 4.27 saves per 90 minutes, the most in the Premier League. And his success-rate of 71.2% ranks slightly ahead of Moyes' current no.1 (68.5%).

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Johnstone has earned high praise throughout the campaign, as a result of his fine performances.

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

He has kept some big names at bay with his imposing stature between the sticks, too - mooted Irons target Danny Ings couldn't score past him despite two shots, and in that game, Johnstone rated as SofaScore's top player and similarly, not even Edinson Cavani could find the net either, with the shot-stopper among Albion's best-performers again.

Recently he was called up to Gareth Southgate's England squad but did not feature on the pitch, though that is an encouraging sign for him ahead of this summer's European Championships.

Also lauded as a "diamond" to work with by Steve Bruce, Johnstone would be an interesting candidate to push Fabianski and become Moyes' next first-choice.

It's a move that former Hammers man Frank McAvennie would like to see happen too. Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast this week, he said: "I think it would be really good business," before adding: "It's right up West Ham's street."

GSB, Moyes and the club should absolutely seal a swoop for Johnstone this summer. At £18m, it could prove to be a steal.

AND in other news, West Ham could find perfect Rice replacement in "exceptional" £30m-rated beast...