West Ham United determined to sell Ben Johnson in January amid Leeds United interest
West Ham United are determined to sell versatile defender Ben Johnson during the January transfer window, according to Claret and Hugh.
The outlet reported on its website on Saturday (13 January) that the Irons are keen to get the 23-year-old off of their books at the London Stadium permanently this month amid interest from Leeds United and previously Everton.
Johnson had been offered a new contract to extend his stay in East London but both the defender and his representatives have failed to moderate their wage demands, which are understood to be around £60,000 a week.
Reports emerged from Phil Hay (11 January) that Daniel Farke’s side are keen on signing the defender on a loan deal this month as they are impressed by Johnson’s ability to cover either side at full-back or even in a midfield role if required.
Determined to sell
With Johnson’s contract at the London Stadium set to expire at the end of the season, there is very little incentive for the Hammers to loan him out to Leeds for the remainder of the season as he will be a free agent come the end of the deal.
West Ham want to use the January transfer window to raise some much-needed funds to be able to add to their own squad. A permanent exit for Johnson, even if for a minimal fee would be much more beneficial to the Hammers than a loan agreement.
If the 23-year-old has made it as clear as has been reported that he doesn’t intend to extend his current deal with the Irons, it would be best for all parties if he found a new permanent home away from East London, even if it leaves David Moyes short of cover.
Hopefully, some sort of deal will be struck sooner rather than later to see Leeds sign the defender as West Ham don’t want to be paying the wage of a player who doesn’t want to be a part of the project at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, Michail Antonio has been left enraged by a “dumb” FA Cup development at the London Stadium