Leeds United 'target' makes transfer decision that could hand Daniel Farke big summer boost

Leeds United continue to monitor Ben Johnson's situation closely as the defender prepares to leave West Ham United this summer, according to reports. After turning down offers to remain with West Ham, where he has spent the entirety of his senior career to date, Johnson is now in the final month of his Hammers contract.

As such, the defender is expected to become a free agent this summer and he will be looking for a new club to begin a pivotal chapter in his career. Reports earlier this year claimed that Johnson would be keen to remain in the Premier League this summer, but Football Insider claim that Leeds are one of several clubs interested in his signature.

The Whites were strongly linked with a loan move for Johnson back in January before securing Connor Roberts as temporary right-back cover and the report claims Leeds remain keen on adding the 24-year-old to their ranks. However, Rangers have also been linked while it is claimed a number of Premier League clubs are admirers of Johnson, who made 22 appearances under David Moyes this season.

With Luke Ayling leaving the club, Sam Byram yet to pen a new deal and Roberts returning to Burnley following the completion of his loan, Leeds are incredibly short of options at right-back heading into next season. Archie Gray spent much of last season in the position and made the spot his own for huge periods of the campaign, but the 18-year-old's natural position is in the centre midfield.

As such, Leeds are sure to prioritise additions in the back line this summer and securing Johnson on a free transfer could turn out to be a real coup for the promotion chasers, given his age and potential in the game.

Johnson is a former England Under-21 international and with 109 appearances for the Hammers under his belt, he isn't short of experience. However, it's fair to say that since making his debut in 2019, Johnson has never really managed to nail down a permanent place in West Ham's starting XI.

The defender has been in out of the line-up in east London for a number of years and he has been asked to play a number of positions, too, with outings not only coming at right back but at left-back, centre-back and right and left midfield. That versatility may appeal to any team that pursues Johnson's signature this summer, but the lack of consistency may be one of the main reasons behind his decision to leave the club.

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With his peak years as a full-back on the not too distant horizon, Johnson will be keen to play a pivotal role at his next club and take the next step in his promising career.

Speaking last August about Johnson’s situation after reports he had rejected a new deal, Moyes, who has now left the London Stadium, said: “He’s a great boy, I really like him, I really hope he stays. He came through the youth system at West Ham and we certainly wouldn’t want to lose him if we can help it.

“But football’s got another side to it, you know contracts etc and making sure people are looked after. I had a good conversation with Ben at the end of last season about it and we really do want him to stay.”