Wolves, Rangers and Everton in five-team transfer race for West Ham free agent

Ben Johnson in action for West Ham against Fulham. He is wanted by Wolves and four other teams. (Image: Getty Images)Ben Johnson in action for West Ham against Fulham. He is wanted by Wolves and four other teams. (Image: Getty Images)
Ben Johnson in action for West Ham against Fulham. He is wanted by Wolves and four other teams. (Image: Getty Images) | Getty Images
Latest Wolves transfer news as a player from a Premier League rival looks set to depart - and Gary O’Neil is interested.

Wolves could be presented with an opportunity to sign a reported target from a rival Premier League club for free, according to various reports.

It has been reported by TEAMtalk and the Sunday Mirror that Ben Johnson will reject West Ham's final contract offer. The 24-year-old has been unable to reach an agreement over an extension with the Hammers and looks to be entering the free agency market this summer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wolves are said to be interested but there is competition from Everton who will be playing in the top-flight next year whilst Rangers are also keen. Leeds United and Southampton who are both vying for a place in the Premier League are also interested but both clubs could find themselves playing in the Championship next season.

Johnson is an academy graduate at West Ham and so if he does depart it won't fully be a free transfer. The club which wins his signature will have to pay compensation to West Ham who have played a key role in his development.

The 10-time England under-21 international has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season with 14 of those in the Premier League. Johnson has been limited to just seven starts for the first-team this season.

West Ham are changing their manager with David Moyes and the club announcing his departure at the end of the season. Julen Lopetegui is expected to take over at the London Stadium but Johnson may not wait around to see if there's a place for him in his team.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

For whoever signs Johnson, they will be getting a player that has won the Europa Conference League at club level and the Under-21 Championships with his country. He has made 109 appearances for West Ham since making his senior debut in the 2018/19 season.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice