West Ham update shouldn't be viewed as bad news for Leeds United or Southampton | OneFootball

While the latest update from West Ham United about the transfer of Ben Johnson may be viewed by some as a negative one, interested clubs like Leeds United and Southampton should not be put off on signing the defender this January.

The 23-year-old has struggled for minutes in the West Ham team this season, and rumours of his exit have been spoken about throughout the January transfer window.

Johnson's contract runs out in the summer and he will be free to join other clubs on a free transfer at the end of the season. With this in mind, West Ham are reportedly open to letting him leave this month, given his lack of appearances for the Hammers so far this season.

Several clubs, including Leeds and Southampton, are said to be chasing the defender this month but could face some challenges after some information about West Ham's wishes for his transfer have come to light.

West Ham want a transfer fee to let Johnson leave in January

With his contract expiring in the summer, West Ham are believed to be looking to cash in on Johnson in January before losing him on a free at the end of the season.

The English defender is reportedly wanted by several clubs this month, although MailPlus have reported that the London club would rather sell the player in January rather than loan him out until the summer.

This could put off some of the clubs linked with Johnson, with most reports linking him with a loan move away from the London Stadium rather than a permanent transfer.

Football Insider have reported that Johnson turned down multiple contract offers from the Hammers, with his lack of playing time this season likely a large part of why he is hesitant to commit to the club past this season.

Johnson has been at the club since he was seven years old and came through the youth academy before making his debut in 2019. His status as a home-grown player would give West Ham a "pure profit" from his sale, giving them a boost in staying within the rules of Financial Fair Play.

While the Hammers' stance could put off some of the sides interested, Leeds and Saints should not let this revelation dissuade them from making a move for Johnson this month.

Leeds and Southampton shouldn't view Johnson update as bad news

While the recent news from West Ham may seem like bad news to some, clubs like Southampton and Leeds should not view it as a reason to turn down the chance to sign the defender.

Indeed, signing him on a permanent deal would be no bad thing for either club.

Johnson is a player with proven Premier League experience, having played nearly 100 matches for West Ham in his career so far. He was also a part of the Hammers side that won the Europa Conference League last season and has rarely looked out of place when he's pulled on a Hammers shirt.

As a versatile player who can play all across the defence and even on the wing in a pinch, he would be an excellent utility player for the clubs chasing promotion this season. Both Southampton and Leeds are searching for a full-back this month, so Johnson fits the bill.

At just 23 years old, he has room to improve in the future, and he would be worth a decent fee if he does, while he would be a player who could stay in the team if either Leeds or Southampton gain promotion to the Premier League this term.

The transfer fee West Ham would be looking has not yet emerged but with Johnson's contract up in the summer, you have to feel that a cut-price deal can be done.

The is certainly an obstacle but the chance to sign the 23-year-old permanently and not on loan should be viewed as a positive and not a negative for both Saints and Leeds.