Leeds United-linked West Ham defender Ben Johnson holds talks with Rangers
West Ham United full-back Ben Johnson, who has been linked with Leeds United, has reportedly held talks with Rangers, according to The Athletic.
The report on 30 April reveals that Johnson, 24 – who is out of contract at the end of the season – is now expected to leave, having rejected several contract offers from West Ham.
Crystal Palace have also been named as an interested party alongside Leeds and Rangers.
What will Leeds United be missing if Ben Johnson joins Rangers?
Perhaps Johnson’s most notable trait is his versatility.
The Englishman is primarily a right-back or right wing-back, but has fulfilled the same roles on the opposite flank or played as a central midfielder at times this season – while he has even been utilised in midfield in previous campaigns.
Archie Gray has spent much of the season as Leeds’ starting right-back, but his future clearly lies in the centre of midfield.
Connor Roberts is on loan, with no permanent transfer yet sealed, while Jamie Shackleton has struggled with injury issues – and is arguably most comfortable in midfield as well – and Sam Byram has largely been required on the left.
Therefore, a move for a versatile full-back with Premier League experience entering his prime on a free transfer seems like a no-brainer from a Leeds perspective.
Johnson has struggled to make his mark at West Ham, though.
The 24-year-old has played just 854 minutes across all competitions this term, failing to oust first-choice right-back Vladimir Coufal. That may be a consequence of his refusal to sign a new deal – or even the cause.
Either way, Leeds will hope to convince Johnson to swap London for Leeds rather than Glasgow this summer.
In other Leeds United news, Simon Rix has made a Patrick Bamford “problem” admission.
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