As per an update from The Express & Star, West Ham United are still among the pack believed to be 'interested in signing' colossal West Bromwich Albion keeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye move...

Over the summer, reliable sources claimed that the Hammers made an attempt to sign the England international for manager David Moyes - with Football Insider even saying that Johnstone himself was 'very keen' to join.

According to The Athletic, West Ham lodged a bid for the 28-year-old but it fell 'considerably low' of the Baggies' valuation of  a fee 'well in excess' of £10 million.

Their interest has remained since then even despite the signing Paris-Saint Germain keeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan with the option to buy.

Recent reports from journalist Ekrem Konur and The Sun state that West Ham, and by extension new head of recruitment Rob Newman, are very much keeping tabs on Johnstone with the latter source even claiming they already have an offer 'pencilled in' if he decides to leave on a free next summer.

The Latest: West Ham still interested...

Amid West Brom boss Valerian Ismael's contract update, with Johnstone's deal set to expire in 2022, reliable Express & Star reporter Joseph Masi backs that the Irons and Southampton are 'believed to be interested' in signing the keeper next summer.

The Baggies manager, meanwhile, wants to keep one of his prized assets and confirms that talks over a new deal will intensify in January.

"There’s nothing new. It’s a patient game now, like a chess game. He wants to see," Ismael admitted.

"For sure, we want to extend. At the minute, I’m not worried, it’s a normal process.

"From January we will start to go more intensively in the discussion but at the moment we’re all focused on the pitch, on the performances."

The Verdict: Get it done...

Depending on the future of current West Ham number one Lukasz Fabianski amid his 'preliminary talks' over a possible extension, signing Johnstone as his heir would be a wise bit of business from the club.

The Englishman enjoyed a fine Premier League season last year and attracted Gareth Southgate's attention at international level, reinforcing the fact he is proven at the top level and may well be a bargain on a free deal next summer.

Lauded as an 'unreal' player by pundit and former top flight shot-stopper Paddy Kenny, it remains to be seen whether West Ham do win the race or if Johnstone puts pen to paper on a Hawthorns extension, but he certainly seems like the best option to target between the sticks.

In other news: 'Huge', 'Don't gas me', 'Announce league title'...ExWHUemployee's 'exciting' striker claim has many West Ham fans buzzing, find out more here.