Ipswich Town ‘in advanced talks’ to sign Leeds United transfer target

Ipswich Town are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, who has also attracted interest from Leeds United. The 24-year-old, a product of West Ham’s academy, faces an imminent contract expiration unless he agrees to a new deal with the Hammers.

Johnson has been linked with several clubs in recent months, with Leeds being one of the interested parties. However, it seems Leeds might miss out on signing the former England under-21 international.

The East Anglian Daily Times reports that Ipswich Town, recently promoted to the Premier League, are close to securing Johnson’s move to Portman Road. This development could be a setback for West Ham, who reportedly offered him an improved five-year contract.

In addition to Leeds, other clubs like Everton, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Wolverhampton Wanderers have shown interest in Johnson. The versatile defender can play as a full-back, center-back, or midfielder.

Leeds had been eyeing Johnson to strengthen their right-back position after Luke Ayling’s departure to Middlesbrough and the abrupt end of Djed Spence’s loan. Ultimately, Leeds brought in Connor Roberts on loan from Burnley, with teenage midfielder Archie Gray also filling in at right-back regularly.