Rangers transfer news as talks held with West Ham United defender Ben Johnson
Rangers have held talks with representatives of West Ham United’s Ben Johnson over a potential summer switch, according to The Athletic.
The outlet reported on its website on Tuesday (30 April) that the 24-year-old is set to leave the London Stadium when his contract expires at the end of the season, with the Gers one of several clubs interested in his services.
While talks have been held with those in charge at Ibrox, Crystal Palace and Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds United have also expressed an interest in signing the defender on a free transfer.
Johnson has been offered multiple contract extensions with the Hammers, with the most recent offer being a four-year package, but no agreement could be reached.
Will Rangers and Philippe Clement win the transfer race for West Ham United star Ben Johnson?
The Gers need to strengthen when the summer transfer window opens and while Johnson may not be the most exciting of potential summer signings, he has the ability to be a real difference maker at Ibrox in the future.
In the past, the Light Blues have done well when securing players from the free-agent market, with Dujon Sterling one of the most recent examples. The versatile defender has been one of Philippe Clement’s best players this season.
Whether the Gers will have the financial muscle to brush aside the likes of Palace and Leeds in the race for his signature remains to be seen, but the promise of regular first-team football may be too tempting for the 24-year-old.
With so much uncertainty surrounding James Tavernier’s future as the transfer window draws closer, getting another right-back through the door so early in the summer would be an excellent start for Clement and his recruitment team.
Hopefully, these initial talks will be just the start of a successful spell for Johnson in Glasgow.
In other Rangers news, one BBC pundit has torn into Fabio Silva labelling him “naive” for an incident against St Mirren
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