Leeds United are looking to sign a new full-back and will look to possibly bolster their attacking midfield area this month, according to Phil Hay.
Writing for The Athletic, Hay claims that Leeds’ priorities have changed in the past fortnight after two departures which they didn’t quite anticipate. Luke Ayling joined Middlesbrough on loan for the rest of the season, while Djede Spence returned to Tottenham Hotspur.
Daniel Farke now needs extra resources on the back four. There are vacant loan slots in the squad and the Whites will look to secure some loan deals this month.
They have been linked with Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams and Burnley’s Connor Roberts, and West Ham defender Ben Johnson is also on their list.
Hay says that Leeds would favour a loan agreement for the 23-year-old defender who will become a free agent at the end of the season. West Ham would expect a loan fee if they are keen to get him out of the club.
Smart addition?
Johnson has dropped down the pecking order at the London club and he is yet to sign a new deal at West Ham.
He is on £20k-per-week wages, and a move to Elland Road could be perfect for him to revitalize his career.
He has loads of Premier League experience and can play on either flank. Only a couple of seasons ago, Johnson was seen as one of the finest young talents to have come out of the academy, and he was playing regularly under David Moyes.
However, he has lost his position in the side, and a move away from the London Stadium should be ideal for him.
Leeds previously looked at Williams in the summer, but new Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has made it clear that the player won’t be sold. Johnson could be a smart addition to the side, but will Leeds pay a loan fee remains to be seen.
