Rangers are reportedly in the mix to sign Ben Johnson with the defender’s contract at Premier League outfit West Ham United set to expire in the summer.
It’s rather telling that it took Ben Johnson until 2024 to start a top-flight fixture under David Moyes this season. And that only came about after Vladimir Coufal, West Ham’s first choice right-back, came down with a bout of flu.
Johnson, a graduate of the Hammers’ feted academy, is out of contract and seemingly out of favour too these days. That might have something to do with suggestions, put forward by Football Insider’s Peter O’Rourke, that the 23-year-old has turned down multiple chances to extend his deal, with the January window representing West Ham’s final chance to cash in.
Rangers join race for West Ham defender Ben Johnson
HITC Football understands that Leeds have held contact with the Europa Conference League champions. Leeds need a right-sided defender after terminating Djed Spence’s loan deal and sending the long-serving Luke Ayling to Middlesbrough.
Daniel Farke’s Championship challengers could face plenty of competition on both sides of the border, however, Football Insider throwing Southampton, Sheffield United and Rangers into the mix.
Rangers want defenders
Philippe Clement’s Glasgow giants appear to be prioritising a left-back – rather than a right-back – this month. Owen Beck, Josh Doig, Kai Wagner, Gijs Smal and Fredrik Oppegard are among those who have been linked. HITC has been informed that Benfica’s £12 million Czech Republic international David Jurasek is another option.
But Johnson, while a right footer by nature, has proven himself capable of stepping in on the left when required. The former England under 21 international’s versatility should appeal to Clement, who has already signed Fabio Silva seemingly as an option at centre-forward and for the number ten role vacated by Sam Lammers’ switch to FC Utrecht.
