‘I was really impressed’: Stuart Pearce raves about reported £20m West Ham target

West Ham United coach Stuart Pearce has given Sam Johnstone his seal of approval, hailing the West Brom goalkeeper on talkSPORT (9 June, 12:00pm) after his impressive England debut on Sunday. 

It is the mark of a top-class shot-stopper, reacting at the speed of light to pull off a crucial save during a game in which you’d previously been little more than a spectator. 

If there were any doubts about whether Johnstone could make the step up to international level after suffering relegation with West Brom, the 28-year-old certainly dispelled those as Gareth Southgate’s side held on to beat Romania 1-0 in a pre-tournament friendly. 

His point-blank save to deny Andrei Ivan a late equaliser should explain why West Brom are so desperate to keep their £20 million-rated talisman – and why the likes of Leeds and Tottenham are reportedly interested.

West Ham, if reports are to be believed, are also big admirers of the former Manchester United youngster. 

The Sun, however, believes that the Hammers will wait for Johnstone’s price-tag to fall before making their move. 

And Pearce, David Moyes’ assistant at the London Stadium, would certainly welcome Johnstone with open arms if West Ham fight off competition from a number of Premier League rivals for his sought-after signature.  

From England hero to West Ham for Sam Johnstone?

“It was arguably one of the best debuts I’ve ever seen (from an England player),” said Pearce, a bona fide Three Lions legend. 

“I thought he was very, very good. I was really impressed, personally.” 

Reports linking West Ham with Johnstone came as a surprise to very few in the East End. 

The fact that the gifted goalkeeper shares an agent with Michail Antonio, Aaron Cresswell, Craig Dawson, Ryan Fredericks and Darren Randolph has not gone unnoticed. 

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