Crystal Palace are now showing interest in a deal to sign West Ham No.2 Ben Johnson.
That is according to The Athletic.
So, what is the situation involving Crystal Palace and Ben Johnson? Let’s take a look…
Crystal Palace want Ben Johnson
Well – according to The Athletic – the defender has already rejected two contract offers from West Ham.
The east Londoners have most recently offered Johnson a new four-year package, although the 24-year-old has still failed to reach an agreement with the Hammers, which opens the door to an exit this month.
It is said that Crystal Palace and Leeds are showing interest in the man with 58 Premier League appearances to his name, whether that comes as a cut-price deal this month, or a free transfer in the summer.
West Ham would be minded to sell Johnson now – as this month currently looks likely to be their last chance to receive a fee for the Londoner.
The Athletic believe the West Ham academy graduate’s preference is to remain in the Premier League, which puts Crystal Palace ahead of Leeds at this moment in time, but he wants assurances over playing time.
Johnson has made 11 appearances in all competitions so far this season, providing one assist.
Crystal Palace could completely revamp the right-back department
Interestingly, Crystal Palace’s right-back department could soon look completely different, after years of it remaining very much the same, besides the emergence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Both Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne are out of contract at the end of the season, with Dougie Freedman currently close to signing one new right-back in Genk No.23 Daniel Munoz.
Therefore, if Johnson is signed as well amid his contract standoff at West Ham, we could see Ward and Clyne swiftly replaced by two new faces.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as a cut-price deal to sign Johnson this month cannot be ruled out.
