The Athletic reports that Rangers and representatives of Ben Johnson of West Ham United have discussed a possible summer transfer.
The 24-year-old is expected to depart the London Stadium when his contract expires at the end of the season, according to a report the publication posted on its website on Tuesday, April 30. The Gers are among the clubs interested in signing him.
Although discussions have taken place with the Ibrox management, Leeds United, Crystal Palace, and Championship promotion contenders Championship have all shown interest in signing the defender for nothing.
The Hammers have extended Johnson’s contract on several occasions; the most recent offer was a four-year deal, but negotiations broke down.
Ben Johnson, a star player for West Ham United, is up for transfer; can Rangers and Philippe Clement prevail?
Johnson might not be the most intriguing summer addition, but he has the potential to make a significant impact at Ibrox in the future, so the Gers need to bolster when the summer transfer market opens.
The most recent example of how well the Light Blues have done in the past is acquiring players from the free-agent market is Dujon Sterling. This season, the adaptable defender has been among Philippe Clement’s top players.
It is unclear if the Gers will have the financial resources to beat out teams like Leeds and Palace in the competition for his services, but the 24-year-old may find the prospect of playing regularly in the first team to be too alluring.
It would be a great start for Clement and his recruiting team to sign another right-back this early in the summer, especially with James Tavernier’s future so unknown as the transfer window approaches.
Hopefully, these initial talks will be just the start of a successful spell for Johnson in Glasgow.
