Southampton attempt late deal for West Ham United full-back Ben Johnson
Southampton have attempted to complete a deal for West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, according to Mike McGrath.
The Telegraph reporter claimed on the newspaper’s live transfer blog (1 September, 09:47 am) that the Championship side have remained interested in the “versatile” Hammers player.
Johnson has fallen down the pecking order at the London Stadium and has not been able to agree a new contract with the Irons.
Sell
For both Johnson and West Ham, a move to Southampton would be an ideal solution.
David Moyes admitted he did not want to let the academy graduate depart the club, stating, as quoted by Tribal Football (25 August): “I don’t want Ben to go, we offered him a contract about a year ago and we have not had any agreement on it.”
With Johnson seemingly not keen to renew at the London Stadium, long-time admirers Southampton have the chance to sign him with just one year remaining on his contract.
The 23-year-old is yet to make an appearance for West Ham this season but made 17 total appearances in the Premier League last season and eight in their Europa Conference League-winning campaign.
But he seemingly does not have a place in the Hammers squad now and while he would certainly perform for similar-level Premier League sides, Southampton could be the ideal chance to get a starting spot in an exciting team.
With Southampton tipped to get promoted back to the top flight at the first time of asking, Johnson may soon find himself a Premier League player again if he makes the move to the south coast.
Interest has not been exclusive to the Saints, however, with 90mins claiming (27 August) that both Middlesbrough and Birmingham were “showing interest” in the player.
However, with Russell Martin’s side seemingly still eager for Johnson, West Ham could say goodbye to a bright former academy star.
Wolves and Bournemouth dealt striker blow as Southampton ‘pull plug’ on £15m transfer
The latest on transfer deadline day in the Premier League as Southampton block Wolves and Bournemouth from signing an attacker.
Wolverhampton Wanderers and AFC Bournemouth will have to look elsewhere for striker targets as Southampton have blocked the departure of Che Adams, according to a reputable report.
Both Wolves and the Cherries were fighting for the Saints striker’s signature but the plug has been pulled on any exit on Deadline Day as Southampton want to keep Adams and sell other forwards instead.
The Athletic reports Paul Onuachu and Dom Ballard are set to be offloaded before the 11pm deadline, meaning Adams must stay put at St Mary’s Stadium at least until the winter window opens on January 1.
Wolves were closing in on a season-long loan deal with a £15 million option – or potentially an obligation – to buy but the funds will have to be spent elsewhere if Gary O’Neil wants another striker.
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