Ben Johnson development emerges as Leeds United look to sign West Ham defender
West Ham have made another late contract offer to Ben Johnson in an attempt to keep the Leeds United target from leaving, according to The Athletic.
The outlet reported on their website (11 June) that the exit-bound Irons defender was now “considering all his options” after the Premier League club put forward a five-year deal on improved terms.
Johnson, 24, has previously rejected a series of contract offers at the London Stadium and was set to leave on a free transfer as his current deal expires this month, with the Whites and Crystal Palace among a number of teams hoping to take advantage.
But after struggling for game time under David Moyes new West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is said to want to keep the right-back.
Daniel Farke could miss out on Leeds United free transfer
If Johnson wants to play then he could surely expect to do so at Elland Road next season when the Whites’ options at full-back are not extensive.
Daniel Farke chose to use teenage midfield star Archie Gray as his primary option for most of last season, but the 18-year-old is a possible big-money exit this summer.
And if Leeds United want to boost their chances of keeping hold of the academy product then shifting into his natural position might be necessary.
Burnley loanee Connor Roberts has headed back to Turf Moor for now, and while Sam Byram’s contract has been extended he spent most of last term at left-back and has not-inconsiderable fitness concerns.
So Johnson would have a strong chance of slotting straight in as the starter under Farke, but the play off final loss to Southampton has surely made it an uphill battle to sign him even if he doesn’t take West Ham’s late offer.
The versatile Englishman has interest in the Premier League so, unless he faces being stuck as a back-up option again, he would likely prefer to stay in the top flight.
And it certainly looks like Lopetegui is making a big effort to convince Johnson that he values him more than Moyes did so it may soon be a moot point ether way, but with Jamie Shackleton also possibly leaving Leeds this summer it will remain a key priority for Farke to find an alternative.
In other Leeds United news, a Patrick Bamford exit update has been issued after suggestions of interest at Nottingham Forest.
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