- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
West Ham United have not given up hope of tying Ben Johnson down to a new contract after the defender held talks with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.
As things stand, the West Ham academy graduate will become a free-agent when his contract expires next week. There is no shortage of interest either.
The Hammers’ London neighbours Crystal Palace have held discussions alongside newly-promoted Ipswich Town. HITC have also been told that Leeds United and Scottish giants Rangers are in talks too.
But West Ham have not given up the ghost just yet. The 2023 Conference League winners have offered Ben Johnson another new deal in the hope of changing his mind. Johnson has already rejected a number of approaches from the claret-and-blue club
New manager Julen Lopetegui, who was confirmed as David Moyes’ replacement in May, is hopeful that West Ham can convince the 24-year-old to stay put.
Lopetegui’s impressive spell at Sevilla was aided by the presence of quick, athletic full-backs, and the former Spain boss may see the versatile Johnson as a key part of his plans.
The Waltham Forest-born wideman can play on both the right or the left flank, making 22 appearances in all competitions last term in a variety of roles.
Ben Johnson could leave West Ham as a free agent
“He’s turning into a little bit of a hybrid player for us. One who can do different roles,” Moyes told the West Ham website after Johnson impressed on the right in February’s 3-0 defeat by Manchester United.
“It might not be the solution to the problem long-term, but I have to give him credit for how he played. He did as well as we hoped he would.
“I thought Ben did a really good job for us.”
HITC reported recently that Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur were also checking on Johnson’s situation. It appears that both clubs are behind the likes of Crystal Palace and Ipswich in the race right now, however. Leeds, meanwhile, have been chasing Johnson since January.
Daniel Farke’s side made contract in the winter before bringing in Connor Roberts from Burnley instead.
Rival Premier League move on the cards
Johnson’s contract saga has been rumbling for at least two years. The former England Under 21 international first rejected a new deal back in 2022, The Hammers deciding against selling him at the time in the hope that fresh terms would finally be agreed later down the line.
“Well I don’t want Ben to go. But we offered Ben a contract maybe a year and a half ago or so and we’ve not been able to get to any point of agreement on it,” Moyes told Sky Sports last August.
“But he’s a great boy, I really like him, I really hope he stays. He came through the youth system at West Ham and we certainly wouldn’t want to lose him if we can help it. But football’s got another side to it, you know contracts etc and making sure people are looked after.
“I had a good conversation with Ben at the end of last season about it and we really do want him to stay.”
HITC understands, meanwhile, that West Ham are keen to reunite Lopetegui with Wolves captain Max Kilman. They also have no interest in selling either Mohammed Kudus or Edson Alvarez.
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