Leeds United have been connected with Ben Johnson of West Ham United in recent times
After letting Luke Ayling and Djed Spence leave earlier this month, the Whites are reportedly looking for defensive reinforcements.
In addition, Leeds defender Charlie Cresswell is getting admiring looks from other teams despite his ongoing struggle for game time.
The Athletic claimed last week that the Whites are now looking into Johnson, who is currently struggling for minutes at the London Stadium.
Now, Ben Jacobs has provided the latest on the state of play involving Leeds and the 23-year-old Hammers full-back, who is out of contract this summer.
Leeds want to sign Ben Johnson in the January transfer window
The journalist, writing on GiveMeSport, believes Daniel Farke and his recruitment team want to bring him to Elland Road during the January transfer window.
Jacobs also believes that if Leeds can persuade West Ham to let Johnson go for a modest cost or nothing at all, they will likely act quickly to obtain his services.
Ben Johnson is the other person on the list. So one of those two options is viable,” Jacobs wrote.
“And again, Ben Johnson hasn’t played that many minutes. He’s out of contract this summer.
“But Leeds, I’m informed, prefer to move immediately rather than wait until the summer. They would offer Ben Johnson a loan.
“So it’s only a matter of whether they can agree on terms since West Ham will demand a money, even though the player’s contract is expiring.
“So I believe that if Leeds could get Johnson for a modest amount or persuade West Ham to waive the money, they would move quickly.
“But there’s a few negotiation points to get that one over the line.”
Leeds looking for ‘great professional’ Ben Johnson
Johnson is a fantastic player who has established himself in the Premier League and would undoubtedly be a step up for Leeds in the Championship.
In 2021, Declan Rice wrote “Ben Johnson, that is all” on X. Meanwhile, Stuart Pearce described the 23-year-old as “a wonderful professional” to BBC Sport the same year.
Johnson can play at both right and left back, making him a versatile option for Farke
However, he isn’t the only defender on Leeds’ radar this month.
According to GMS, Leeds are also looking at Neco Williams, Connor Roberts, Ben Davies, and Ryan Giles as potential defensive signings.
Let us see what occurs in the coming weeks. With just under two weeks left in the January transfer season, the market may begin to ramp up.
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