The Athletic reports that West Ham has made another late contract offer to Ben Johnson in an attempt to keep the Leeds United target from departing.
The outlet said on its website (11 June) that the exit-bound Irons defender was now “considering all his options” after the Premier League club offered him a five-year agreement with increased conditions.
Johnson, 24, has already rejected a number of contract offers at the London Stadium and is likely to go on a free transfer when his current term expires this month, with the Whites and Crystal Palace among the clubs seeking to take advantage.
But despite struggling for game time under David Moyes, new West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is thought to want to keep the right-back.
Daniel Farke could miss out on Leeds United’s free transfer.
If Johnson wants to play, he should be able to do so at Elland Road next season, given the Whites’ limited options at full-back.
Daniel Farke used teenage midfield star Archie Gray as his primary option for the majority of last season, but the 18-year-old could be sold this summer.
And if Leeds United want to increase their chances of maintaining the academy product, moving him into his natural position may be crucial.
Burnley loanee Connor Roberts has returned to Turf Moor for the time being, and while Sam Byram’s contract has been extended, he spent the majority of last season at left-back and has some fitness worries.
So Johnson has a good chance of starting right away under Farke, but the play-off final loss to Southampton has made it difficult to sign him, even if he rejects West Ham’s late offer.
The versatile Englishman is interested in the Premier League, so unless he is forced to play as a backup, he will most likely choose to remain in the top division.
And it appears like Lopetegui is making a concerted attempt to persuade Johnson that he appreciates him more than Moyes did, so it may soon be a moot point either way, but with Jamie Shackleton also potentially leaving Leeds this summer, finding an alternative will remain a top priority for Farke.
