Ben Johnson makes West Ham United exit decision after Rangers transfer talks
West Ham United defender Ben Johnson is set to snub interest from Rangers and join Crystal Palace this summer, according to the Daily Record.
The outlet reported on its website on Wednesday (1 May) that the 24-year-old, who is free to leave the London Stadium this summer, will almost certainly become Oliver Glasner’s first Palace signing at Selhurst Park.
Glasner is set to put his stamp on his squad come the end of the Premier League campaign having taken over from Roy Hodgson and Johnson is now on the verge of committing to Palace ahead of next season.
Reports emerged from The Atheltic on Tuesday (30 April) suggesting that the defender’s representatives had held talks with Rangers over a potential free transfer, but it now appears that those negotiations won’t lead to a deal.
Will Ben Johnson leave West Ham United for Crystal Palace in the transfer window?
It has been clear for some time now that Johnson won’t extend his stay at the London Stadium beyond the end of the season, with several contract offers being rejected with no agreement yet reached between the club and the player.
The 24-year-old seems set on leaving East London this summer and while a lot could change in the final weeks of the Premier League campaign, it seems as though he is set on making the switch to Selhurst Park.
Johnson has never been a consistent presence in David Moyes’ starting XI throughout his career with the Hammers and he may well feel that he needs a fresh start to get his career up and running, rather than remaining a rotation option in claret and blue.
Hopefully, some clarity will emerge over Johnson and Moyes’ future in the coming weeks so the Irons can begin planning for next season. If the 24-year-old does complete his exit, West Ham will need to start looking for a new replacement.
In other West Ham news, a switch to the London Stadium would interest Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna this summer
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