Leeds United look to snap up Ben Johnson after last-ditch West Ham contract development
Ben Johnson will reject a final contract extension offer at West Ham to become a free agent this summer, with Leeds United waiting in hopes of snapping him up, according to TEAMtalk.
A report on the outlet’s website on 10 May said that the Irons are still “reluctant” to lose the 24-year-old despite having failed to agree an extension to his deal via multiple previous offers, and their “last-ditch” attempt to keep him at the London Stadium is also going to prove unsuccessful.
The versatile defender will instead “consider his options” in the transfer market this summer where the Whites are one of a number of clubs credited with strong interest in signing him.
Daniel Farke was linked with a move in January before Connor Roberts was eventually brought in on loan from Burnley, but the German is expected to face competition from the likes of Wolves, Southampton and Rangers according to TEAMtalk, while Premier League clubs including Tottenham and Aston Villa have also been linked elsewhere [HITC, 15 April].
Can Leeds United land London Stadium defender?
Farke will clearly stand a much better chance of landing Johnson this summer if he leads the Whites back to the top flight.
His hopes of securing a third Championship crown went up in flames amid an alarming drop in form to end the regular season, leaving a treacherous route through the play offs as the only option.
As Johnson seems certain to be moving in search of more game time after just 22 appearances in all competitions this term for David Moyes the offer of a starting position for a newly-promoted Leeds United might be something he is interested in, when he could face spending more time on the bench again at Villa or Spurs.
The Elland Road picture at right-back has been unsettled all season, with midfielder Archie Gray becoming the de facto number one after Djed Spence’s loan from Tottenham didn’t work out and Farke decided to move on from Luke Ayling.
Sam Byram’s return last summer proved to be as a left-back rather than his favoured right-sided spot, and although Roberts is said to favour a long-term stay at the club he has only managed 13 Leeds outings so far, largely off the bench.
Rasmus Kristensen is on his way back from a loan at Roma as well so who stays and who goes in the ensuing weeks, as well as the crucial outcome of the remaining games, will have a big say as to whether the Whites are a genuine option in the race to sign Johnson.
In other Leeds United news, the club is set for a cash windfall as a high-earner’s permanent departure has been triggered.
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