Ben Johnson transfer latest: Leeds and Southampton interest, Millwall join race, West Ham stance | OneFootball

With just over a week remaining in the January transfer window, one player attracting significant interest is West Ham United defender Ben Johnson.

Johnson came through the Hammers' academy, and he has established himself in the first team squad since making his debut against Manchester City in February 2019.

The right-back won the club's Young Player of the Year award in both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, while he has been a regular for England at youth level, featuring in the squad that won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in the summer.

However, Johnson has found his minutes limited at the London Stadium this season, making just eight appearances in all competitions.

The 23-year-old was introduced as a substitute in the 2-2 draw at Sheffield United on Sunday, but with his list of suitors increasing, he could be set to depart before the deadline next week.

As speculation over Johnson's future continues to gather pace, we rounded up all the latest news involving the defender.

Leeds and Southampton interest

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds United are one of the clubs interested in signing Johnson this month, while Football Insider claim that fellow Championship promotion hopefuls Southampton are also keen.

Leeds are light in the right-back area after Djed Spence was recalled by Tottenham Hotspur and sent to Genoa, and Luke Ayling has joined Middlesbrough on loan, leaving midfielders Archie Gray and Jamie Shackleton as Daniel Farke's only options.

It seems that Johnson is firmly on the Whites' radar, and they have also been linked with Burnley's Connor Roberts and Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams.

Kyle Walker-Peters has starred for Southampton at right-back this season, but journalist Alex Crook claims that the 26-year-old could be the subject of interest from Chelsea before the end of the transfer window, which could see the Saints step up their pursuit of Johnson.

"I don't think there is a recall clause in Mason Holgate's loan, so Everton can't recall him even though he is not playing much. But I guess Southampton could terminate it, and that is a possibility if they could find someone else in that position," Crook told Give Me Sport.

"When it comes to Walker-Peters, there is no sign of him signing a new contract. I think they thought there would be more Premier League interest than there was in the summer. They didn't get a single bid.

"I mentioned West Ham being interested a few weeks ago because they are definitely looking for right-back cover. Even Chelsea could come into it, with Reece James' injury problems.

"He can play at right and left-back, which would be ideal with Ben Chilwell spending time on the sidelines. It wouldn't surprise me if somebody tries to get Walker-Peters before the end of the window."

Southampton currently sit third in the Championship table, one point behind second-placed Ipswich Town, while Leeds are fourth, five points adrift of the Tractor Boys.

Millwall join race

Millwall are the latest Championship club to join the race for Johnson's signature, as per Football Transfers.

The Lions are said to have made an approach to West Ham for Johnson, but with the Hammers reportedly demanding a £1 million-plus loan fee, it remains to be seen whether they could afford a deal.

Millwall head coach Joe Edwards was previously the interim manager of England U20s, and the 37-year-old has already used his contacts this month to bring in defender Japhet Tanganga on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lions currently sit 18th in the table, eight points clear of the relegation zone, and it would be a big coup if they were to bring Johnson to The Den.

In addition to Leeds, Southampton and Millwall, .

West Ham stance revealed

Johnson's contract at the London Stadium expires in the summer, and according to the Daily Mail, he has rejected several new contract offers.

With Johnson looking unlikely to commit his future to the club, the Hammers would prefer to cash in on him this month to raise funds as they look to bring in attacking reinforcements, rather than sending him out on loan.

Having turned down numerous contract proposals, it seems that Johnson is keen to move on in search of regular first team football, and there is no shortage of interest in the defender.