Everton want to sign West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, club open to offers
Everton want to sign West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, and the London club are open to offers according to Claret and Hugh.
The 23-year-old full-back is capable of playing at both left-back and right-back and has been a regular for the Hammers in recent seasons, making 79 appearances over the last three years.
But with his current contract at the London Stadium set to expire in 2024 the club have opted to listen to offers, and Everton are one of the clubs showing interest according to a new report.
“The club had intended to negotiate with him around Christmas but decided against it bearing in mind his form hadn’t been great at that time,” they wrote (20 April).
“Claret and Hugh was told at that time the club were deliberately holding off offering him a deal in the hope that things would improve for him.
“Nothing much has changed since and with Everton showing interest the Hammers will listen to offers.”
Premier League proven
Everton need more players that are proven in the Premier League, and if we are still in the division next season then Johnson could prove to be a shrewd signing.
He has played both full-back roles this season but has also filled in at centre-back too, and his defensive abilities are where he shines more than going forward.
That’s the type of defender that Sean Dyche loves, and with Ruben Vinagre set to return to Portugal at the end of his loan and Seamus Coleman a year older he could be the perfect signing for cover and competition.
He’s unlikely to be too expensive or command too much in wages because of his relative infancy in his career and that is the kind of business Everton need to be doing with our financial situation.
If Johnson is open to it and West Ham are willing to listen to offers, the Toffees would be silly not to be in the conversation for his next destination.