
Hammers defender refuses new deal
Defender Ben Johnson is refusing to sign a new deal with the Hammers.
Talks were halted some time back and his form has seen him slip down the pecking order although he looked reasonable in the recent game against Liverpool when supplying the assist for Jarrod Bowen’s fine goal in the Carabao Cup defeat.
There had been a feeling that with there being no serious back up to Emerson at left back, the academy produced player may have had a chance of remaining at the club.
But Claret and Hugh has learned this afternoon that it is not going to happen based on the demands the player and his representatives want in personal terms. We have been told that the are looking for £60k a week which the club are simply not willing to pay to a player who remains on the fringes of the first team at best.
Everton are believed to be maintaining an interest in the defender who celebrates his 24th birthday next month. With just a few months left on his contract the Hammers will be hoping to get a small fee for the player in January along with another for midfielder Conor Coventry who will be allowed to leave.
No need to be even discussing a new contract. He needs a new challenge where he is playing regularly. If we need to put pressure on coufal we need a better option.