Sources: Leeds United, Rangers and Sheffield United in race to sign West Ham star
Rangers, Leeds United and Sheffield United are among the sides keen on landing West Ham star Ben Johnson this month, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed Southampton are also in the mix for the 23-year-old – who could leave the London Stadium on loan before the 1 February deadline.
Johnson is entering the final six months of his West Ham contract and is keen to play regular first-team football after struggling for game time with David Moyes’ side.
He has rejected several offers from the Irons over a potential new deal.
It is believed Johnson has lots of interest from clubs in England and north of the border – with Rangers, Leeds, Sheffield United and Southampton the most keen on a deal.
The defender has played just six times across all competitions for West Ham this season, grabbing one assist.
Johnson, who can play as a full-back on both sides and as a centre-back, started in the Irons’ 0-0 draw against Brighton in the Premier League on 2 January – his only start of the 2023-24 campaign.
He has racked up 93 games in total since making his Premier League debut for West Ham as a 19-year-old under Manuel Pellegrini.
The 23-year-old has racked up 10 caps for England’s Under-21 side and was part of the side which lifted the European Championships last year.
Leeds are keen to add reinforcements at right-back and left-back and are keen on Johnson as he can play on both flanks.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United could be ready to offer Johnson the chance to remain a Premier League player as their fight against relegation continues in the new year.
Southampton and Rangers are chasing success in the Championship and Scottish Premiership respectively and are also keen.
In other news, Rangers open preliminary talks to sign Serie A star.