Word stemming from the media on Thursday evening points towards fresh efforts on the part of West Ham United to tie defender Ben Johnson down to a new contract.
22-year-old Johnson, amid an impressive campaign to date, of course saw his terms at the London Stadium extended through the summer of 2024 just last month.
This came after those in a position of power in the English capital opted to trigger a two-year extension in their up-and-coming talent’s current deal, ahead of its expiration in the summer.
It was subsequently revealed, however, that this in fact only came after West Ham’s initial efforts to tie Johnson down for the long-term failed to bear fruit.
Following the turn of the year, the Irons brass are understood to have tabled a six-and-a-half-year contract proposal to the club’s academy product.
EXCL: West Ham United offered Ben Johnson a six-and-a-half-year contract but failed to reach an agreement with the defender. #WHUFC https://t.co/RxgdcTzzh5
— Roshane Thomas (@RoshaneSport) February 28, 2022
But, as alluded to above, those in a position of power at West Ham have evidently not yet given up hope of tying Johnson down for the long-term.
In fresh info obtained by reliable insider ExWHUemployee, it has been assured that the capital club are locked in talks over a new 5-year deal, presumably featuring terms more favourable to their young right-back.
This comes amid interest in Johnson’s signature on the part of a pair of Premier League rivals – in the form of Arsenal and Newcastle United – ahead of the summer.
West Ham are in talks with Ben Johnson over a new 5 year deal.
Newcastle & Arsenal are showing interest. [@ExWHUemployee] pic.twitter.com/3EnsDXCpoQ
— West Ham Transfers (@westhamtransfer) March 31, 2022
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Turning attentions back towards the job at hand at West Ham, Johnson will of course be hopeful of featuring from the off once more this weekend.
This comes with David Moyes and co. set to return to action on the back of the international break in a Premier League meeting with relegation-battling Everton at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Irons, as things stand, sit 7th in the English top-flight, two points adrift of Manchester United above them.
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