Real Betis, Villarreal ‘interested in Sheffield United-linked Ben Johnson’

Real Betis and Villarreal are reportedly chasing the signing of West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, with Sheffield United also keen on the right-back.

Real Betis and Villarreal are reportedly interested in signing West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, who has also captured the attention of Sheffield United.
The 23-year-old has played a bit-part role for David Moyes at the London Stadium this season, featuring just twice in the Premier League, starting once.

Since making his debut in February 2019, Johnson has appeared on 93 occasions for the Hammers, forming part of the side which helped the club to Europa Conference League glory last term.

The right-back has been a regular fixture for the England Under-21s in recent years, earning 10 caps for Lee Carsley’s men, however the youngster is not close to a senior call-up.

According to TEAMtalk, La Liga duo Real Betis and Villarreal have joined the race to secure the services of West Ham’s Johnson in 2024.

With the defender’s deal at the London Stadium expiring at the conclusion of the 2023-24 term, he is free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.

Betis and Villarreal fit that criteria, with the former currently under the stewardship of ex-West Ham and Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The Chilean boss handed Johnson his Hammers debut nearly five years ago and is keen on reuniting with the full-back at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

It is understood that Villarreal are chasing the signature of the 23-year-old, with the Yellow Submarine scouring the English market for full-backs once again following the arrival of Hector Bellerin from Arsenal.

The report also claims that Sheffield United, Leeds United and Southampton are attempting to lure Johnson to their respective ranks before the January window slams shut.

Sitting eight points adrift of safety at the foot of the Premier League standings, Chris Wilder’s Blades are targeting reinforcements this month as they look to address their leaky backline.

The Bramall Lane club have conceded an eye-watering 49 goals in just 20 top-flight matches – seven more than any other side in the division.

Following the termination of Djed Spence’s loan and Luke Ayling’s departure to Middlesbrough, Leeds are in the market for a new right-back.

Johnson could be set for a rare start in claret and blue when West Ham travel to second-tier side Bristol City for an FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday night.

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