Leeds United transfer latest: West Ham's Ben Johnson stance, Marc Roca update, left-back boost emerges | OneFootball

Leeds United could be facing a potentially busy January in terms of outgoings, with Djed Spence already returning to his parent club Tottenham Hotspur and Luke Ayling joining Middlesbrough on loan, but there could be incomings, too.

The Whites are among the favourites for promotion this season and things have started well in their first second tier campaign in over three years. It sees them sitting fourth in the Championship with Daniel Farke at the helm.

It was an incredibly busy summer for the club in terms of departures and recruiting replacements, with many in Leeds' squad keen to continue their careers in the top-flight, and others needing to be moved on to help trim the wage bill at Elland Road.

Signings are going to be on the agenda again for Farke and the club's hierarchy, and matters on the pitch during the second half of the campaign could be dictated by what is to come in the market.

With that in mind, here we look at some of the latest transfer news and biggest headlines coming out of Elland Road in the meantime.

Ben Johnson race hots up as West Ham stance emerges

Leeds face competition from Southampton for West Ham United defender Ben Johnson this month. However, according to TEAMtalk, Johnson is being lined up for a move to LaLiga with Real Betis and Villarreal "chasing his signature" as well.

The Saints were interested in signing Johnson in the summer, according to Football Insider, and it was reported by journalist Darren Witcoop last month that the club were still keen on the West Ham man.

Since then, The Athletic’s Phil Hay has reported that Leeds are keen on signing the full-back this month as well. Whilst Football Insider report that the 23-year-old remains a Southampton target too, and could depart the London Stadium on loan ahead of the February 1st transfer deadline.

Fresh reports have outlined that Sheffield United are keen on signing Johnson as they look to fight for their top-flight survival. Elsewhere, Scottish giants Rangers are also keen on snapping up the Hammers defender.

The latest has come from The Daily Mail’s Transfer Confidential, which states that West Ham would rather receive a fee for the defender than send him out on loan, amid that particular interest from the Whites and Southampton.

Real Betis and Marc Roca update

Real Betis are aiming to sign Marc Roca from Leeds this summer should the Whites fail to gain promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

According to Spanish outlet Eldesmarque, the Spanish top-flight club have set their sights on a £12 million deal to sign the Spaniard at the end of the campaign. The midfielder is currently with La Liga side as part of a season-long loan agreement with the Whites.

He has featured 19 times in the league for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, becoming a key part of the team as they compete for European qualification. Roca also made 36 appearances for Leeds last term but looks set to exit the club permanently this summer.

A potential Josh Doig boost for Leeds

Leeds may have received a boost in their potential pursuit of Josh Doig this January. The Whites have been linked with a move for the Scot this winter, but it was expected that they were going to miss out on the left-back.

That was due to an agreement with Marseille and Hellas Verona for the defender. However, according to Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports, the deal between the two clubs has now collapsed.

Marseille made an offer worth £4.3 million for the defender last week, which was enough to secure an agreement with Verona; but a deadline was set for Friday evening to complete the deal, which has since passed.