PL club prepare frantic big-money bid to fend off Leeds United interest in free agent – The Athletic

To do that, the team will need to be more balanced, with investments in different positions certainly needed, including at fullback.

Leeds United are still interested in signing West Ham full-back Ben Johnson

West Ham full-back Ben Johnson was a target for Leeds in the January window, with six months left on his contract at the time.

Leeds have ended up looking to Burnley’s Connor Roberts to top them off, but The Athletic now report that the Whites remain keen on the West Ham defender.

Out of contract in the summer, Johnson would be a free transfer for Leeds, or fellow interested parties Crystal Palace and Rangers.

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West Ham have offered Johnson a big deal to keep him at the London Stadium

As well as relaying Leeds’ interest, The Athletic also share the same report that West Ham are trying hard to keep Johnson at the club beyond this summer.

They report that the 24-year-old has been offered a new and improved contract to tie him down for a further five years.

Johnson is said to be considering his options after rejecting every offer prior to the current one on the table.

The sticking point for Johnson and West Ham appears to be assurances of playing time, with other options either side of the Irons back four favored over him.

Johnson would be a huge free coup if Leeds pull it off

Assurances of playing time will only come at Leeds, given that West Ham have options they prefer over him.

Crystal Palace have two full-backs that Johnson will not line up over, especially in a back three configuration, while Rangers may not be the move Johnson likes in the Scottish Premiership.

At Leeds, Johnson would break into our starting lineup and probably be our best defender right away, which would be great for his long-term future.