Leeds United transfer news as Ben Johnson update drops in January
West Ham United want to bank some cash if they are to allow Leeds United target Ben Johnson to leave the club this month, according to Simon Jones.
The Daily Mail journalist shared in his Transfer Confidential (15 January) that the Englishman has not yet accepted terms on a new contract at the London Stadium and the Hammers ideally need to generate fees to aid their quest for attacking reinforcements.
The Whites are on a desperate hunt for a full-back this summer having seen Luke Ayling and Djed Spence leave the club, but no official approach has yet been made.
Need sales
Johnson is a player who fits the exact sort of profile that Farke has been looking for during the January transfer window. Leeds United need new options at fullback and the West Ham man offers exactly that as he is able to cover either flank.
A fine short-term solution has emerged in Archie Gray who is certainly showing his brilliant versatility and tactical understanding right now.
However, deploying a midfielder there isn’t sustainable and Sam Byram who has undergone several injury issues already since his summer move from Norwich can’t be relied upon to feature consistently despite some impressive displays.
In all honesty, the Englishman too represents a decent solution at right back and would likely be willing to join given his limited minutes in East London.
Possessing great strength, recovery pace, 1v1 defensive nous and positioning, Johnson is the player Farke should be targeting this month but in order for that to happen the Whites will need to sell some fringe players to generate funds.
They cannot end this month without a temporary loan fix at least.
In other Leeds news, Ayling replacement eyed as club open to offers for international ace.