Rangers transfer news as West Ham United defender Ben Johnson makes Ibrox decision
West Ham United defender Ben Johnson will snub a move to Rangers and instead join Crystal Palace in the summer, according to the Daily Record.
The outlet reported on its website on Wednesday (1 May) that the 24-year-old who will leave the Hammers on a free transfer at the end of the season will almost certainly join the Eagles when his deal expires at the London Stadium.
Johnson will be the first signing of the Oliver Glasner era at Selhurst Park as the West Ham academy graduate is now on the verge of committing his future to Palace.
Reports emerged from The Atheltic on Tuesday (30 April) suggesting that the defender’s representatives had held talks with the Light Blues over a potential summer switch, but it appears as though those negotiations won’t lead to a deal.
Will Rangers and Philippe Clement win the transfer race for West Ham United man Ben Johnson?
It was always going to be hard for Rangers to compete with Premier League clubs for Johnson’s signature such is the disparity of the financial power between the clubs north and south of the border.
However, Philippe Clement and his recruitment team would have likely hoped that the promise of regular first-team football and potential European experience would have been enough to tempt the 24-year-old into moving to Glasgow.
But it appears as though the opportunity to stay in London has proven to be too big an attraction for Johnson and it is understandable that the versatile defender would prefer to remain as close to home as possible.
It will be interesting to see whether the Gers continue to look to strengthen their backline in the lead-up to the summer transfer window, especially as speculation continues to emerge around James Tavernier and Connor Goldson’s future at Ibrox.
Reinforcements will be key to the Light Blues’ success next term and players who can cover several positions like Johnson are a real luxury for teams that need added depth.
In other Rangers news, Clement has been told to move on three Ibrox stars this summer in a big transfer clearout
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