Hammers offer update on player’s contract talks

CandH Exclusive by Hughie Southon

West Ham will make a  major new offer to Ben Johnson in the summer as they attempt to ensure the second academy product to become a regular first team player remains at the club for a few years yet.

Following the amazing emergence of Declan, Ben has shown himself to be a very serious player and has so far been tied down to the two year option .

The club saw talks on a new deal break down a few weeks ago but will again bid to ensure his future at the club come  the end of the season by offering him a new five year deal.

As was the case with Declan talks with the representatives concerned become somewhat protracted when players are looking for a rise from academy to first team status.

But a key Hammers source told ClaretandHugh – who first broke the news of the option agreement – that a new deal over five years would be offered in the summer.

We were told: “We can’t be talking to players at this stage of the season with so many important games ahead. We want them focused on football – not contract talks.”