Leeds will have to pay to sign 23-year-old this month, an official approach is yet to be made

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West Ham United want to sell Leeds United target Ben Johnson permanently this month with the defender’s contract due to expire at the end of the season – and interest in Johnson is growing.

That is according to a report from The Mail’s Confidential page, who state that the Hammers are keen on selling the 23-year-old – in order to bring in some cash for his signature. He has refused a new deal.

With his current deal ending in June, West Ham are left with no option but to offload Johnson in order to get a fee for his services. It comes after Phil Hay said Leeds were considering a move for the defender.

Since then, Spanish sides Real Betis and Villarreal are also said to have shown interest – with Marc Roca a potential future teammates of the Hammers academy product. Now, an update on Johnson’s future.

The Mail claim on their Confidential page that West Ham want to sell Johnson. We are listed as a suitor for the England U21 man, as are Rangers and Sheffield United. It is unclear how much West Ham want.

West Ham want to sell Leeds target Ben Johnson permanently

Indeed, West Ham have tried to keep Johnson at the London Stadium but he has rejected the chance to stay put – in favour of a move away. It comes after managing just two League outings throughout 23-24.

Leeds are in the market for full-backs. Daniel Farke has made it clear he would like to sign a left-back, and that was before Leeds confirmed the losses of both Luke Ayling and Djed Spence earlier this month.

Leeds have a few days now in order to focus on a signing or two before our next match, when we host Preston at Elland Road. The Whites will be looking for revenge after losing 2-1 at Deepdale in December.