Leeds United could be looking to sign a new full-back in the January transfer window.
Luke Ayling left the club last week to join Championship rivals Middlesbrough on loan. The long-serving defender is contract with the Whites until the end of the season which means he may have already played his last game for the club.
Leeds showed interest in signing Josh Doig, but it seems they are likely to miss out on him. The likes of Olympique Marseille and Sassuolo are battling for his signature, and the Whites are nowhere to be seen in the picture.
In such a scenario, it makes sense for Leeds to move for West Ham defender Ben Johnson who could leave the club this month.
The 23-year-old has only a few months left on his deal at the London Stadium and he is yet to sign a new agreement. The versatile full-back, who can play on both flanks, has dropped down the pecking order this season and a move away from the club can’t be completely ruled out.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, the likes of Rangers and Sheffield United are also keen to secure his signature. Leeds are yet to make a move for him, while West Ham ideally would love to get some fee from Johnson’s sale.
The Hammers want to add depth in their attacking areas and they are looking to cash in on Johnson and Said Benrahma. Keeping the contract situation in mind, even if Leeds make a move to sign him, it would still be within an affordable price.
Johnson has a wealth of Premier League experience and probably needs a change in scenery to revitalize his career. He is on £20k-per-week wages, and it shouldn’t be a big problem for the Whites to offer him a lucrative deal.
He is still a relatively young player and Daniel Farke can get the best out of him. Leeds are aiming to return to the Premier League swiftly, and signing of a quality player like Johnson can really help them achieve their dreams.
