Leeds United have provided a potential transfer boost in their pursuit of the West Ham defender

Leeds United target Ben Johnson is set to officially leave West Ham United when his current contract expires.

Johnson, 24, had been locked in negotiations with the Hammers over new terms at the London Stadium, but those talks failed to find a solution. The defender made 25 appearances in total last season, including 4 Premier League starts under David Moyes.

Leeds have been monitoring Johnson for some time and would now be free to hold talks with the player over a potential move to Elland Road this summer. Johnson has already been capped 10 times at international level with the England Under-21 team.

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Johnson issued a statement via West Ham’s website after his departure, thanking the club for everything they had done during his 17-year stay in London. He began: “Thank you to everyone associated with West Ham United for supporting me over the past 17 years and developing me into a first-team player.”

“I was blessed to come through the Football Academy and play for the first team in the Premier League, domestic cups and European competitions. I just want to be known and remembered for my time at West Ham because I played with a smile on my face lips and to enjoy football. That is very important to me.

“I would say the most special memory I have is winning the UEFA Europa Conference League. Being involved in a European trophy win doesn’t happen often, so to be around and be part of it and be able to achieve that with West Ham it was incredible My dreams were surpassed by what happened two seasons ago and I’m so pleased to have done it as a West Ham player, I’ll never forget it.

“I wish West Ham the best of luck for next season under the new head coach and of course I will miss all my team-mates and staff, along with the supporters.

“West Ham will always be a part of my life that I will remember fondly and with a lot of love. I have developed into a better young man and player thanks to West Ham, so finally a big thank you to the Club! “