Crystal Palace and Leeds United could still be looking to sign a new full-back in the summer transfer window.
The Eagles have steadied their ship under Oliver Glasner and they are looking comfortable to stay in the Premier League unless they suffer a dramatic collapse.
Leeds, on the other hand, are in terrific form and have not lost a single game in the Championship in 2024. They are second in the Championship and are one of the favourites to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Both teams could look to bolster their full-back areas and especially look after players who have loads of Premier League experience. One player who has come under consideration is West Ham defender Ben Johnson.
Leeds were heavily linked with a move for the “versatile” defender as they needed to sign a new right-back. In the end, they signed Connor Roberts on loan from Burnley.
Crystal Palace signed Daniel Munoz from Genk and he has proved to be a smart addition. However, Glasner is still interested in signing the full-back after they missed out on him in January.
Crystal Palace move ahead of Leeds United in race to sign Ben Johnson
According to a report from Sunday Mirror (page 65), Crystal Palace are leading the race to sign the 24-year-old defender who can play at both flanks and as a central defender.
Leeds and Southampton are also keen to sign him. Johnson, who has come through the youth ranks at the club, has made four starts in the Premier League this season, with David Moyes preferring Vladimir Coufal ahead of him.
He is a vastly experienced defender having made over 100 appearances for the Hammers, and would be a good addition for both teams.
Leeds could look to sign Roberts permanently if they secure promotion, and if that happens, Palace will have a great chance to sign the defender for free.
Dutch side Feyenoord have already made an approach to sign Johnson and the Hammers have allowed him to speak to overseas clubs.
