24-year-old Premier League player is now ‘unlikely’ to move today, after links with Leeds United

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United’s search for a new right-back has drawn up plenty of twists and turns during the January transfer window.

At the beginning of last month, it was arguably one of the strongest and well-stocked positions in the squad, but the departures of both Djed Spence and Luke Ayling meant a replacement was required.

Leeds have been linked with a number of players throughout the course of the window, but finally appear to be closing in on one of their targets, with a move for Connor Roberts reportedly close.

Roberts has been linked with a move to Elland Road ever since Spence was sent back to Tottenham, but a move has taken its time to materialise, with Leeds also having been looking elsewhere.

Another Premier League defender who was on the shortlist was West Ham United’s Ben Johnson, but according to the Athletic, it is ‘unlikely’ he will be going anywhere today.

Leeds target Johnson to stay at West Ham

It is said that Crystal Palace launched an enquiry over Johnson’s availability earlier this week, with Roy Hodgson’s men having been keen on a permanent deal.

However, West Ham knocked back Palace’s approach as they intend to keep him and offer him a new deal, with his current contract set to expire in the summer.

Johnson has had to be extremely patient for his opportunity this season and his lack of football had made an exit in January highly likely, but he has played his way back into David Moyes’ plans.

Thankfully Leeds’ failure to land Johnson won’t mean too much in the end given how close they are now reportedly to finally signing Roberts from Burnley.

Leeds’ search for a right-back has not been an easy one and providing there are no more obstacles in the next 12 hours, supporters can rest easily knowing one was brought in.