Leeds United are keen to add depth to Daniel Farke’s backline before the winter transfer window slams shut and have identified several potential signings who could bolster the defence.
Last week, Leeds lost Djed Spence as the fullback was recalled to Tottenham Hotspur, following a disappointing loan spell at Elland Road. The former Middlesbrough man has since been used in a swap deal with Genoa for Radu Dragusin.
Furthermore, the Whites also completed the sale of long-time servant Luke Ayling, who made the switch to Boro on loan until the end of the campaign, effectively ending his spell in Yorkshire as the Scotland international has merely six months remaining on his current deal.
We've completed the signing of Luke Ayling on loan from Leeds United ✍️
Welcome to #Boro, @lukeayling_8! 🔴⚪️ #UTB
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) January 10, 2024
Leeds United have been left a little light in the fullback department but look keen to rectify the situation. It was reported by Darren Witcoop on Wednesday that the Peacocks were interested in signing Bournemouth centre-half Chris Mepham and Burnley right-back Connor Roberts this month.
However, now HITC are claiming that the Whites have made contact with West Ham United over possibly acquiring the services of fullback Ben Johnson as his contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Johnson, who won the Europa Conference League title with the Hammers last season, has played just six times for the East London club this term, and his market value has fallen to £4 million, as per the CIES Football Observatory.
Now, the 23-year-old could be on his way to Elland Road as his future at the London Stadium is up in the air.
Writer’s View
This could be a really good signing for Leeds United as Johnson has plenty of experience in the Premier League, which will benefit the Yorkshire outfit if they gain promotion back to the top-flight, and the defender could be available for a relatively low sum of money.
Most importantly, though, Johnson may not expect to start every single week and could be simply happy to act as a squad rotation player behind teenage sensation Archie Gray, which is all Farke needs right now.
Deputy Head of Writing