Crystal Palace make approach to sign West Ham United ace Ben Johnson as David Ornstein details response from London Stadium

Crystal Palace have seen an approach to sign Ben Johnson rebuffed by West Ham United during the January transfer window, according to David Ornstein.

The Athletic journalist reported via X on Tuesday (30 January) that the Hammers turned down an enquiry from Roy Hodgson's side this month, as the Eagles explored whether or not a potential sale was possible before Thursday's (1 February) transfer deadline.

Although Johnson's deal at the London Stadium expires at the end of the season, the Hammers intend to offer the versatile defender a new contract in the coming weeks and are therefore reluctant to sell their longest-serving player.

Sensible call

Johnson has been repeatedly linked with the exit door at the London Stadium throughout the January transfer window, but the majority of links have seen a temporary move mooted rather than a permanent transfer.

The defender has shown that he can be a valuable asset in David Moyes' armoury between now and the end of the season in recent weeks and the Hammers would be naive not to extend his current deal and keep him in East London beyond the end of the season.

A potential loan switch may have more legs between now and the end of the campaign, as Johnson is very much the Hammers' second choice behind Vladimir Coufal at the moment. But even then, the 24-year-old still has plenty to offer.

Unless something changes, it seems that Johnson will remain a West Ham player beyond the start of February. Should he continue to impress in the coming weeks, the Irons may finally be able to tie their longest-serving player down to a new deal.

In other West Ham news, Pablo Fornals is now in advanced talks to leave the London Stadium this month

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