WEST HAM have lined up Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as they prepare to send Joe Hart packing.
England keeper Hart has been a major disappointment on his season-long loan at the London Stadium and is set to be sent back to Manchester City.
West Ham are interested in Manchester United keeper Sam Johnstone, currently on loan at Aston VillaGetty Images - Getty
The Hammers have an option to make the move from the Etihad Stadium permanent but after spending much of the campaign relegated to the bench they are not expected to exercise it.
And the Mirror say West Ham scouts have highlighted United keeper Johnstone as the ideal man to come in to become the first choice at the London Stadium.
The 25-year-old is currently on a season-long loan deal with Aston Villa and has made a big impression during his time with the club.
Despite being highly rated by United he has spent his career being sent out on loan, unable to force his way into the first team squad with David De Gea and Sergio Romero ahead of him.
Joe Hart is expected to return to Manchester City at the end of a disappointing season on loan at West HamPA:Press Association
But at Villa he has been a consistent presence in Steve Bruce’s side who have overcome a poor start to give themselves a chance of promotion to the Premier League in the play-offs.
And his displays have caught the eye of the Hammers scouts with boss David Moyes looking to to find a keeper he can rely on as recognised first choice in his squad.
SULLY MUST MOVE David Sullivan ditches directors box seat to avoid London Stadium aggroWhen he took over from Slaven Bilic, Hart had already been dropped to the bench on the back of the series of unconvincing displays and replaced by Adrian.
But the Spanish keeper also failed to impress, and last month Moyes took the decision to axe him and recall Hart.
The lack of a recognised first choice keeper is one Moyes is aware he needs to address over the summer, and ideally with a player who is young and can solve the problem long-term.
Johnstone, who featured in the England set-up at youth age group as he came through the United academy, fits just that profile.
United recently took up the option to extend his deal at Old Trafford until the end of next season to ensure he was not able to leave the club on a free transfer this summer.
Johnstone came through the ranks at Old Trafford but his first team opportunities have been rareGetty - Contributor
But with De Gea going nowhere, Johnstone is aware he will need to leave the club if he wants to play regular football as he approaches the peak years of his career.
That would mean West Ham would need to come up with a bid of around £4million if they wanted to to follow through with their interest and sign him over the close season.
(function(){ var voice = document.createElement('script');voice.type = 'text/javascript'; voice.src = 'https://inconversation.net/widgets.js';var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(voice, s); })();But their plans may be hit should Villa secure promotion back to the top flight this season.
With Wolves and Cardiff looking on course for the automatic promotion spots, it is likely Villa will have to come through the play-offs to get themselves out of the Championship.
But having established himself so well since he first moved on loan to Villa Park in January 2017, manager Bruce may want to keep Johnstone on a permanent basis.
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