Leeds United are one of a number of clubs interested in signing West Ham United defender Ben Johnson this month, but a new report claims Marc Roca’s loan side Real Betis are also keen on him.
The 23-year-old has been struggling for game time this season. Vladimir Coufal has been first choice on the right, while Emerson Palmieri has been David Moyes’ pick on the left. Johnson has hardly got a kick.
Indeed, the Hammers academy product has only been used eight times in all competitions – only two in the Premier League. Leeds have targeted Johnson, a player Stuart Pearce described as “wonderful”.
We spoke to Hammers News about a possible move for Johnson, last week. But now it turns out that Leeds are not the only club interested in a move – with Southampton and Sheffield United interested.
However, TeamTalk now say it is not only English clubs looking at a move for Johnson. Indeed, Marc Roca‘s Real Betis want to lure him to Spain. A move that would see Manuel Pellegrini raid his old side.
Marc Roca’s side want to sign Leeds United target Ben Johnson
Another club that are interested are Villarreal, who have often looked to the English leagues for new signings – Ben Brereton Diaz, Etienne Capoue, Juan Foyth and more. Stiff competition for the Whites.
Indeed, both are in Europe after Christmas – Villarreal in the Europa League, Betis in the Conference League. Another factor is that Johnson’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current season.
Leeds have been linked with a number of options at full-back – the likes of Connor Roberts, Josh Doig and plenty more. But the race for Johnson is hotting up and Leeds will need to move quickly for him.
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