West Ham not given up on securing new deal for defender as PL rival eye transfer

West Ham United have not given up on keeping Ben Johnson at the London Stadium beyond the end of the season, according to GiveMeSport.

The outlet reported on its website Wednesday (17 April) that the Hammers are still trying to extend the versatile defender’s stay in East London but they appear to be fighting a losing battle as he enters the final months of his contract.

David Moyes is eager to see the 24-year-old extend his deal with the Irons, but Crystal Palace are understood to be confident of securing his services on a free transfer come the end of the season.

The suggestion from within Selhurst Park is that the Eagles would be incredibly surprised to see Johnson remain with the Hammers beyond the end of his current contract and the Premier League season.

Will Ben Johnson leave West Ham United on a free transfer during the summer transfer window?
It had seemed likely Johnson would leave West Ham in the January transfer window as the 24-year-old was repeatedly linked with a move to Leeds United, but for whatever reason, that switch never came to light
The versatile defender has never been a regular at the London Stadium, but he has been a crucial utility player under Moyes’ management, playing in a variety of roles across the backline and even in more advanced positions this season.

He doesn’t have the magic or composure of Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta or Mohammed Kudus, but he has always given his all whenever he stepped foot on the pitch. He was never going to be a regular starter, but he has plenty to offer the Hammers.

Whether or not the Irons will be able to convince Johnson to agree new terms so close to the expiry of his current deal remains to be seen, but it does feel as if those in charge of recruitment at the London Stadium may be fighting a losing battle.

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