Ben Johnson is being strongly linked with a move to Leeds United from West Ham United this month and the Hammers are willing to send him on loan – even if his deal is due to expire in the summer.
Links with 23-year-old Johnson emerged last week as Leeds continue to pursue a new full-back, after waving goodbye to duo Djed Spence and Luke Ayling – who are now with Genoa and Middlesbrough.
West Ham academy product Johnson is out of contract at the end of the season and on Tuesday night, was handed only his ninth outing of the season. He came on as a sub as West Ham lost to Bristol City.
It was claimed this week Leeds would have to buy Johnson with West Ham looking to bring in a fee for a player Stuart Pearce said is “wonderful”. That is despite interest from Spanish clubs Villarreal and Betis.
They are able to approach Johnson on a pre-contract arrangement, but for English clubs – a deal must be done with West Ham. However, Phil Hay now says that West Ham are willing to send him on loan.
West Ham willing to send Ben Johnson to Leeds United on loan
Which benefits Leeds because Hay reports that the Whites would rather have the England U21 defender on a temporary basis, at least initially. A loan fee would have to be paid to West Ham, for the privilege.
Leeds have Archie Gray and Jamie Shackleton at right-back, and Junior Firpo and Sam Byram on the left. But the latter two are injury prone, Shackleton has had injuries and Gray is naturally a midfielder.
Signing a new left-back primarily is important, but signing a player that can play on either side would be ideal. Johnson is that man. Whether Leeds and West Ham can agree a loan fee, remains to be seen.
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