Hammer defender’s contract demands

Hammer defender’s contract demands

Out of favour Hammer Ben Johnson’s contract demands have been revealed with his agents wanting a £60k a week for the player to remain at West Ham United. Despite playing only one first team game this season at Lincoln City in the third round of the Carabao Cup, Johnson and his agents believe the club should agree a deal better than that signed by Declan Rice when he decided to sign his last deal at the club which was believed to be worth around £40k a week.

Johnson was dropped into the reserves last night as the under 21 overcame Cheltenham 4-0 to reach the last 32 of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, better known to you and me as the former EFL Cup. However, we were told by our key contact not to over-read too much into that as it was very much a case of keeping the player match fit should be be required.

It could also be a case of keeping him match fit as the club prepares to let him move on although maybe the defender needs to remember what happened to the guy who replaced him before hardly hitting the heights since joining Watford three years ago.

Claret and Hugh‘s understanding is West Ham would be ready to make Johnson an offer of £35k a week plus £25k for each match appearance which seems more than fair for a guy who is now very much a fringe player. That deal would be made available basically because of his versatility in being able to fill right and left back roles plus wing back on either side as well.

However our source made it clear that his form had not bee great over the last 18 months and that £60k a week was over the top adding: Clubs like Brentford have a pay

BUT not really very good when he’s played in the last 18 months. Clubs like Brentford have a maximum wage of £60k a week adding: “Agents are mad with their demands.”

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