West Ham United reject approach for Rangers-linked defender

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Rangers reportedly want Ben Johnson and Crystal Palace have now failed with an approach to sign the West Ham United defender.

We are now into the final stages of the January transfer window and we can expect to see some business from Rangers.

Left back Jefte appears to be a prime target and could end his loan spell with APOEL to join Rangers from Fluminense.

Fans may still hope to see another striker arrive amid links to Hearts ace Lawrence Shankland and Lens winger Oscar Cortes should be arriving soon.

It’s difficult to imagine too much more business but Rangers have been linked with a Premier League defender who will seemingly be very difficult to sign…

West Ham United stand firm on Rangers target Ben Johnson

Reports earlier in the January transfer window suggested that Rangers had joined the race to sign West Ham United defender Ben Johnson.

It was suggested that Rangers were battling Leeds United and Sheffield United for Johnson as he approaches the end of his contract.

Johnson will become a free agent at the end of the season, so Rangers may have been sensing a bargain.

The Athletic now report that Crystal Palace have made an enquiry into signing Johnson ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline – but West Ham have rejected their approach.

West Ham allegedly plan to offer Johnson a new deal in the coming weeks and are therefore completely against a sale.

Rangers would likely receive the same kind of response from West Ham but the Gers do have one trump card over Palace.

Johnson’s contract situation means that Rangers can approach the defender with a pre-contract agreement, securing him on a free transfer for the summer.

Palace cannot make such an offer and Rangers could yet take advantage of those cross-border rules by moving for Johnson even after the window has closed, securing him for next season.

A versatile defender who can operate all across the back four, Johnson could be a solid option for Philippe Clement but the 24-year-old needs to focus on first-team football.

Predominantly a right back, Johnson would be battling against James Tavernier and a move to Rangers may not be absolutely ideal for what he is seeking right now.

A deal before the deadline seemingly won’t be happening but Rangers will be keeping very close tabs on Johnson’s situation as West Ham eye up a new contract.