Leeds United may not be able to sign ‘wonderful’ free agent as his wages could be too expensive

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Leeds United could be denied the chance to land a Premier League player on a free transfer because his wages might just prove to be a touch too expensive for The 49ers.

The Whites are in for a busy summer in which The 49ers, Nick Hammond and Gretar Steinsson and Daniel Farke will come together and work out the best way to to raise funds to pay the £190m owed in transfers.

Leeds have clawed some of that back thanks to sale of Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra, while the whole lot does not need to be paid straight away. But there will need to be sales in the coming couple of months.

It is likely to see Leeds cash in on some highly-rated assets, and bring in replacements on the cheap. One options the Whites could look to add is West Ham man Ben Johnson, who is available on a free transfer.

At the start of last month, 24-year-old Johnson rejected West Ham’s latest contract offer with Leeds keen on a deal. Leeds Live though, report a potential ‘stumbling block’ in a potential move for the defender.

• READ MORE: Three out-of-contract Premier League players Leeds should target this summer

Johnson wages could be a stumbling block for Leeds this summer

Described as a “wonderful” talent by Stuart Pearce, Johnson came through the academy at West Ham and has gone on to play 109 times for the Hammers but he has never been first choice during his senior years.

Able to play right-back, left-back or even in the middle of the park, Johnson would be a very smart player if lured to Elland Road. Whether he is tempted by a move to The Championship remains to be seen.

But what could prove to be an issue is his wages, as per the report. It is claimed he is on £33,000 a week at West Ham and the way free transfers work, Johnson is likely to request more as he looks for a new club.

Is Johnson an improvement on what Leeds already have?

Probably not, although he has plenty of Premier League experience now under his belt. On a free transfer, and with Sam Byram and Jamie Shackleton set to join Connor Roberts in leaving, he’s a necessary signing.

Byram and Shackleton are in the same position as Johnson, both out of contract come June 30. It is yet to be announced whether they, along with Liam Cooper and others, will be putting pen to paper at Leeds.

But with Roberts already back at Burnley, and Leeds lacking any natural left-back cover for Junior Firpo, Johnson makes sense. But The 49ers must make sure his wages reflect his importance to Farke’s side.