Tottenham are eyeing a move to sign Ben Johnson from West Ham in the summer, according to Football Transfers.
The outlet reported via their website on 18 March that the “versatile full-back” had “attracted the attention of the recruitment department” at Spurs with Ange Postecoglou looking to sign cover for Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro.
And with the 24-year-old’s future at the London Stadium in doubt after turning down two contract offers ahead of his current deal’s expiry in the summer he has been recommended by his cousin, the Tottenham ambassador and former England international Ledley King.
West Ham have reportedly offered a four-year extension to Johnson but negotiations have since reached an “impasse”.
It is perhaps little surprise that King would tip Spurs onto Johnson given his history with the North London side and his connection to the defender.
David Moyes gave him a few starts during January and February which might have helped grease the wheels for a contract extension.
But since the manager has dropped him back to the bench since the 6-0 thrashing by Arsenal on 11 February it feels increasingly unlikely that a new deal will be agreed if it hasn’t by now.
At his age he is bound to want more playing time so an exit would be no shock if he can’t get it in Stratford, but he would surely be walking into exactly the same situation under Postecoglou if he signed there.
On a free transfer and with an ability to play anywhere across the back line as well as fill in as a winger in emergency he should be an attractive signing at the end of the campaign if he goes, and having been courted by Leeds United in January that sort of move might give him a greater opportunity.
But if he trades the West Ham bench for the Spurs bench it will be another unfortunate departure of a homegrown player and a loss to the Irons.
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