Everton want to sign Ben Johnson for free after last-ditch West Ham United snub emerges
Everton are among the clubs waiting to “snap up” Ben Johnson with the defender set to reject a last-gasp attempt by West Ham to keep him, TEAMtalk reports.
The Irons are now set to lose the versatile full-back on a free transfer after the last of their multiple attempts to agree a contract extension failed according to the outlet’s website on 10 May.
Johnson, 24, plans to test the market as a free agent with a host of clubs interested in signing him when his deal expires at the end of the season.
Everton are joined by the likes of Rangers, Southampton and Wolves in the hunt for the Englishman, with his exit from the London Stadium seemingly now locked in.
Sean Dyche to land bargain Everton signing?
Free transfers are surely going to be the most likely avenue to Everton making additions to the squad this summer as the financial situation remains such a central concern, with one offer already made.
Kevin Thelwell has already admitted that players will have to be sold once the transfer window opens, with the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana likely to be the top candidates.
With the threat of a third profit and sustainability breach looming for next season if the Toffees don’t balance the books before then it seems probably that very little of any cash brought in will form a substantial transfer budget so, as ever, it will be bargain options if anything at Goodison Park.
Ashley Young arrived on a free transfer last summer and has started frequently at both full-back spots for Dyche this term, but he turns 39 in July while club captain Seamus Coleman is 35 and has suffered from mounting injury issues.
Behind the two veterans the picture at right-back is uncertain with Ben Godfrey’s use only moderately useful compared to his capabilities in the centre, and Nathan Patterson’s situation having only deteriorated further this season.
The Scotland international already appeared unfavored by Dyche last season but after an awkward incident between the two at the Portuguese training camp and new injury once he finally got another chance in the Premier League he looks like he might need to move on himself.
So interest in a player like Johnson given his availability is understandable, although David Moyes never seemed fully-convinced to rely on him regularly at West Ham, and with a number of other clubs in the race Everton could miss out either way.
In other Everton news, Josh Wander has been removed from his role at 777 amid a “shock” collapse of the would-be Toffees owners.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.